Children Issues

150,000 children are affected each year because of divorce and relationship breakdown in London and other parts of the UK.

A child, on a marital or relationship breakdown, may suffer in his or her own right. This distress can be greatly increased if the parents involve the child in their conflict.  Their lives can be turned upside down and it can have a lasting effect on them.

Children and adolescents can be caught up in the conflict in various ways. For example:

•    One parent’s endless criticisms and hostility towards the other
•    Being asked to take sides such as who they want to live with
•    Arguments; even violent confrontation at the handover for contact

How to look after your children therefore should be the overriding priority if your relationship or marriage breaks down, minimising the impact where possible on the children’s lives and protecting and providing for them. It is not always possible to reach a workable agreement but it is particularly important and in the interests of your children to try and do so.

Making arrangements for the Children

On separation you can make whatever arrangements you wish between you as to where and with whom your children will live and how much time they spend with the other parent. If however, you cannot agree the arrangements these sort of disputes are governed by the Children Act 1989 which came into force on 14th October 1991 (as amended by the Adoption and Children Act 2002).

For advice, and if necessary, representation on all issues relating to your children contact Karen Weiner, an expert divorce lawyer by clicking here