Do I need to go to court to get my child arrangements decided during divorce?

Going to court is usually a last resort.

If possible, it is good to agree what will happen to your children between you and your spouse, with expert legal advice so you fully understand your rights.

Ideally, you will also tell your children together with your spouse the decisions that have been made about where they will be living, so that they feel more comfortable and secure that you are both in agreement. If you cannot agree what will happen to your children between yourselves then you could try going to a mediator (an independent third party who aids discussions between you and your spouse) or collaborative law (you and your spouse meet together with both your solicitors to discuss your options and hopefully come to an agreement). Usually the main home of the children will be with one parent and the other parent will have contact.

If, however, you cannot come to an agreement yourselves the courts may have to become involved. Their primary concern when deciding child arrangements in divorce cases is the welfare and needs of the children.

Austin Kemp’s experienced solicitors can advise you throughout the process, from the initial discussions with your spouse to the court proceedings, if necessary.

For more information on this subject please visit our Legal Library.

Contact us to see how we can help you with your divorce

We offer a nationwide service. We have client meeting office facilities available, in order to have face-to-face client meetings / conferences as and when required in:

Leeds Office: Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY

Wakefield Office: Market Walk, Wakefield, WF1 1QR

Halifax Office: Old Lane, Halifax, HX3 5WP

Huddersfield Office: Northumberland Street Huddersfield, HD1 1RL

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Canary Wharf Office: 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LB

Please contact us for more details.