Child Law Solicitors
At Cullimore Dutton, our experienced child law solicitors are dedicated to providing more than your standard legal service. When you work with us, you’ll receive more expertise, more transparency, and more support.
Every day, we help parents and guardians navigate the complexities of child law, from resolving disputes to securing the best possible outcomes for their family. We understand that matters involving children can be particularly sensitive and emotionally challenging, which is why we’re here to offer the protection and reassurance you need.
Cullimore Dutton is one of the few firms that offer both legal and financial advice in one place. By considering both aspects together, we take a cohesive approach that leads to better decisions, particularly in child law cases.
We recognise the importance of handling these matters with care, empathy, and respect. Our team is here to support you at every stage, ensuring the process is as smooth and constructive as possible.
Our solicitors can provide support with various matters, including:
- Child law legal advice
- Child arrangements
- Parental responsibility
- Child law disputes
- Grandparent’s rights
Get in touch with our expert child law solicitors in Chester
To access support with child law, please contact our expert child law solicitors at Cullimore Dutton.
You can give us a call on 01244 356789, or fill out the enquiry form on our home page, and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.
Our child law services
Child law legal advice
At Cullimore Dutton, we understand that legal matters involving children can be incredibly emotional and personal. Whether you are navigating a divorce, resolving parental disputes, or trying to access your grandchildren, the legal processes can feel overwhelming.
Our team will always take an empathetic approach when providing legal support, ensuring that you understand your rights and keeping the processes as straightforward as possible.
Our experienced child law solicitors provide bespoke legal advice on all aspects of child law, ensuring your rights as a parent or guardian are upheld. We are here to guide you every step of the way, offering clear, practical, and compassionate support to help you make the best decisions for your child’s future.
Child arrangements
When parents separate, divorce, or dissolve a civil partnership, one of the most important considerations is deciding where a child will live and how they will maintain a relationship with both parents. Reaching an amicable agreement can be challenging, but our solicitors have extensive experience in helping families find solutions that work for everyone involved.
We assist in negotiating child arrangements through mediation and alternative dispute resolution, aiming to minimise conflict wherever possible. If an agreement cannot be reached, we can represent you to apply for a Child Arrangements Order through court processes, ensuring the best outcome for your child.
Parental responsibility
Parental responsibility gives parents and guardians the legal authority to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including their education, healthcare, and religious beliefs.
When a child is born, the mother automatically gains parental responsibility. Fathers will also have parental responsibility if they are married to the mother at the time of birth. Similarly, same-sex partners in a civil partnership with the mother will have parental responsibility if the child was conceived after April 2009.
If a father or same-sex partner is not married to or in a civil partnership with the mother, they do not automatically have parental responsibility.
At Cullimore Dutton, we can help you secure parental responsibility through legally binding Parental Responsibility Agreements. If an agreement cannot be reached with the child’s other parent, we will guide you through the court process to ensure your role in your child’s life is formally recognised.
We can also support clients to apply for a Parental Responsibility Order through the court where necessary.
Child law disputes
If you and your child’s other parent are struggling to agree on aspects of your child’s upbringing, we can help you to negotiate through alternative dispute resolution.
Where necessary, our child law specialists can assist you in applying for court orders, resolving matters of contention, and protecting your child’s welfare.
Whilst we prefer a constructive solution to child law disputes for the sake of your relationships, we recognise that this is not always possible. Rest assured that, should court proceedings become necessary, we will staunchly fight your corner.
Specific Issue Orders
If parents cannot agree on a certain aspect of a child’s life, such as schooling or religious education, a Specific Issue Order can provide a legally binding resolution.
Our solicitors can help you apply for a Specific Issue Order, ensuring that decisions are made in the child’s best interests.
Prohibited Steps Orders
If you are concerned that another parent or guardian may take an action that could negatively impact your child, such as moving them abroad or making significant medical decisions without consent, you may need to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order.
Our local child law solicitors have extensive experience in securing Prohibited Steps Orders to prevent actions that could be harmful or not in the child’s best interests.
Grandparent’s rights
We understand how important the grandparent-grandchild relationship can be. If you are having trouble maintaining contact with your grandchildren, we appreciate that this can be distressing.
While grandparents do not have automatic legal rights, there are legal steps that can be taken to maintain a relationship with your grandchild.
Our experienced child law solicitors can guide you through the process, from mediation and negotiation to applying for a Child Arrangements Order if necessary. We will provide clear, compassionate advice tailored to your situation, helping you secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
In some cases, grandparents may wish to take on a more permanent caregiving role, particularly if the child’s parents cannot provide a stable home. A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) grants legal responsibility for a child to someone other than their parents, often a grandparent or another close relative. Our family law experts can provide legal advice and support to grandparents who wish to apply for SGOs.
Why Choose Cullimore Dutton for Your Child Law Solicitors in Chester?
Cullimore Dutton has a distinguished history dating back to 1792. Over the years, our dedication and expertise have established us as a trusted presence in the local community.
As one of the rare firms offering both legal and financial services under one roof, we provide a seamless and cohesive approach. This integrated service enables us to deliver well-rounded guidance and support, ensuring well-informed decisions, particularly in sensitive child law matters.
We understand that legal issues involving children can be complex and emotionally challenging. That’s why we approach every case with care, professionalism, and a commitment to securing the best possible outcome for you and your child.
By choosing our children law experts, you can expect more knowledge, more professionalism, and more care.
Frequently asked questions about child law
What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order is a legal order that determines where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and other key child contact arrangements. If parents cannot agree on these matters, the court can issue an order based on the child’s best interests.
What is parental responsibility?
Parental responsibility refers to a parent or guardian’s legal rights and duties concerning a child's upbringing. This includes decisions about education, healthcare, and religion.
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility, while fathers or same-sex partners may need to acquire it if they are not named on the birth certificate or were not married or in a civil partnership with the mother at the time of birth.
What do I do if I wish to relocate with my child?
If you wish to relocate with your child within the UK, you are advised to seek an agreement with the child’s other parent. If they oppose the decision, you may need to apply for a Specific Issue Order.
If you wish to take your child to live outside the UK, you must obtain written consent from all individuals with parental responsibility. If consent is not given, you will need to apply to the court for a final decision. The Court will assess whether or not the move is in the child’s best interests.
Do I need permission to take my child on holiday?
If you have a Child Arrangements Order stating that your child lives with you, you can take them abroad for up to 28 days without permission, unless a court order states otherwise. If this does not apply, you will need consent from everyone with parental responsibility or permission from the court.
Can I change my child’s surname?
Changing a child’s surname requires the consent of everyone with parental responsibility. If an agreement cannot be reached, you will need to apply to the court for permission. The court will decide based on whether the name change is in the child’s best interests.
What is a Special Guardianship Order?
A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) appoints a person, usually a relative or close family friend, to take on parental responsibility for a child when they cannot live with their birth parents. Unlike adoption, an SGO allows the child to maintain a legal link with their birth family while giving the guardian significant decision-making authority.
What are grandparents’ rights?
Grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren, but they can apply for permission from the court to request a Child Arrangements Order. The court will consider the relationship between the grandparent and child, as well as whether contact is in the child’s best interests. Mediation is often encouraged before taking legal action.
Get in touch with our expert child law solicitors in Chester
To access support with child law, please contact our expert child law solicitors at Cullimore Dutton.
You can give us a call on 01244 356789, or fill out the enquiry form on our home page, and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.