Children and divorce ==================== **If you need advice or representation on any Children Law matters, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert Children solicitors.** [BOOK MY FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) ### Types of children orders --- There are three main orders in children proceedings: child arrangements orders, specific issue orders, and prohibited steps orders. With any order made in relation to a child, the court's paramount consideration will be the child's welfare. The court will... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/children-orders "Types of children orders") ### International relocation of children --- If you want to move abroad with your children, or take them out of the country for an extended period of time, you will need either the agreement of the other parent or the permission of the court. If you fail to obtain this approval, removing the child from the jurisdiction... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/international-relocation-children "International relocation of children") ### Children and contact --- The court recognizes that, generally, both parents should play a full role in children's lives. When deciding with whom a child shall live and how much time they spend with the other parent, the primary concern will be the welfare of the child. Younger children will... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/children-contact "Children and contact") ### Stages in a Children Act application --- There are three key stages in proceedings under the Children Act 1989: the First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), the Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA), and the Final Hearing. When the court makes any order in relation to a child, its... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/children-act-application "Stages in a Children Act application") ### Parental Alienation --- What is parental alienation? Parental alienation describes a situation where a child has been coerced, manipulated, or otherwise pressurised to align themselves to one parent against the other. The child is essentially 'turned' against one parent by... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/parental-alienation "Parental Alienation") ### Mothers' rights --- When considering mothers' rights, the law starts from a point of view that children benefit from spending time with both parents. More often than not, a child will live with the person who historically did most of the caring. For many families, this will be the mother.... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/mothers-rights "Mothers rights") ### Fathers' rights --- Separating parents can wonder what rights a father has following a divorce. Though children often live with their mother after their parents separate, this is in no way an automatic assumption. The courts will always start with the presumption that it is in the... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/fathers-rights "Fathers rights") ### Grandparents' rights in divorce --- Many grandparents play a key role in the upbringing of their grandchildren. They can worry what rights grandparents have if the parents decide to divorce. Vardags understand that a difficult consequence of divorce can be a relationship breakdown or deprived time with... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/grandparents-rights "Grandparents rights in divorce") ### CAFCASS --- The Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) is a public body which is involved in children proceedings in the family courts. Their mission is to make sure that children's voices are heard and decisions are taken in their best interests. It is... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/cafcass "CAFCASS") ### Do I need permission to take my children on holiday during a divorce? --- Many parents are unaware it is a criminal offence to take their child abroad if they do not have the permission of every person that has parental responsibility. This is more likely to be an issue where a couple has separated. If you're considering or going... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/do-i-need-permission-to-take-my-children-on-holiday-during-a-divorce "Do I need permission to take my children on holiday during a divorce?") ### Handling False Allegations in Custody Cases --- Allegations raised during child arrangement proceedings can significantly affect both the process and the emotional experience of separation. Where allegations are disputed or believed to be unfounded, the situation becomes particularly difficult, requiring careful handling... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/handling-allegations-in-custody-cases "Handling False Allegations in Custody Cases") ### How to Deal With High-Conflict Co-Parenting Situations --- Co-parenting following separation can be challenging even in cooperative circumstances. Where conflict between parents is ongoing or entrenched, those challenges are often magnified, with emotional, practical, and legal implications. High-conflict co-parenting situations... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/how-to-deal-with-high-conflict-co-parenting-situations "How to Deal With High-Conflict Co-Parenting Situations") ### Parallel Parenting: When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work --- For separated parents, co-parenting is often the ideal — maintaining open communication, mutual respect, and shared decisions for the benefit of their children. But in high-conflict or emotionally charged situations, co-parenting can become impossible. When constant... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/parallel-parenting "Parallel Parenting: When Co-Parenting Doesnt Work") ### At What Age Can a Child Refuse to See a Parent in the UK --- Following a separation or divorce, one of the most emotionally charged issues for parents is contact — when and how children spend time with each parent. It's not uncommon for one parent to ask, "At what age can my child refuse to see the other parent in the... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/what-age-can-child-refuse-to-see-parent-uk "At What Age Can a Child Refuse to See a Parent in the UK") ### Divorce & Parental Rights: What You Need to Know --- If you are considering or going through a divorce, you may be concerned about your parental rights, particularly your rights to see your child. In this guide, we outline the key things you need to know about your parental rights, particularly if you have separated from... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/divorce-and-parental-rights "Divorce & Parental Rights: What You Need to Know") ### How are children's living arrangements decided by the courts in a divorce? --- When a couple separates, a really important issue moving forward will be the care of any children. This is not dealt with as part of the main divorce process, but separately, in the same way that the separation of finances is a separate process. Dealing with this issue is... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/how-are-childrens-living-arrangements-decided-by-the-courts-in-a-divorce "How are childrens living arrangements decided by the courts in a divorce?") ### Parental Alienation Cases --- The concept of parental alienation is receiving much media attention, and the approach by Family Courts in England and Wales is still evolving. Identifying Parental Alienation Parental Alienation is a form of psychological manipulation by one parent which interferes... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/parental-alienation-cases "Parental Alienation Cases") ### Parental Responsibility of Children --- Parental responsibility is defined as "all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authorities which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and the child's property". What is not widely recognised is the fact that not all biological... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/parental-responsiblity-of-children "Parental Responsibility of Children") ### The Voice of the Child in Family Proceedings --- When family disputes involve children, questions often arise about whether, and how, a child's wishes should be taken into account. In England and Wales, the family court recognises the importance of listening to children, while also acknowledging the need to protect... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/children-and-divorce/voice-of-child-in-family-proceedings "The Voice of the Child in Family Proceedings") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. What our clients say -------------------- I would like to say working with the staff at Vardags was a great support to me at a difficult time of my life but with their support and sensitivity I was able to get through the experience with less stress and ease. If anyone... is looking for a good legal team I would recommend Vardags. They may cost a bit more but will give you good service. Brenda Hart If you are looking for best in the country then look no further. Rahul Verma Knowledgeable, respectful and empathetic service and team. Michelle Ravden Thanks to Emma and the team for the outstanding handling of my case. Throughout the months of my ongoing case I was kept informed and updated at all times never left wondering what was happening or where I stood. From meeting... Emma I felt instantly that my case was in good (understatement) hands, she has a friendly personal approach as well as so much expertise in the handling of family law cases. I feel so grateful to have had Emma and her team handle my case and for the outcome! Thank you! Emily Calvin The Vardags team are exceptionally knowledgable and strategic but also, and most importantly, they are confident and reassuring in a time when one can feel most vulnerable. Robert Douge Outstanding firm and of highest level of professionalism. 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