Before applying for a court order, it is worth knowing that judges will expect you to have attempted to come to an agreement either between yourselves or with the help of a mediator. As parents, you both share responsibility for your children and possess a duty to make every effort to agree on the upbringing of your children; a responsibility that continues even after separation. If you are unable to talk with each other, trained mediators or solicitors can be used to find solutions. Scullion LAW are here to help. We have years of experience in dealing with family disputes and can provide you with qualified solicitors who will ensure that you and your children’s best interests are at the heart of what we do. Speak with one of our dedicated and empathetic team members now.
If the courts are asked to decide on an agreement for you, their priority by law is to put the welfare of the children before all else. This can be extremely difficult for parents to accept if the courts deem their personal wishes to not be the best thing for the child. The court expects you to do what is best for your child. Encourage your child to have a good relationship with both of you. Try to have a good enough relationship with each other as parents, even though you are no longer together as a couple. Arrange for your child to spend time with each of you.
The law sees it as the child’s right to have regular, personal contact with both parents, ensuring a good relationship with both unless there is a very good reason to the contrary. Denial of contact is very unusual and in most cases, contact will be frequent and substantial. The court will also consider a child’s contact with extended family – for example, the grandparents of the child – important to their upbringing.
Denial of contact is rare, occurring only in cases where the court believes your or your child’s safety is at risk. It is important to note that non-payment of child support is not a reason for preventing contact
Regardless of their age, divorce can have a detrimental impact on a child. It is important that they understand what is happening to their family and it is your job to explain this. Your child needs to have a loving, open relationship with both parents. It is your job to encourage this. You may be separating from each other, but your child needs to know that he/she is not being separated from either of you. Show love, affection and respect for both parents.
Your child should not be made to:
You can help your child:
At Scullion LAW, we work closely with a family law therapist who we are happy to refer you on to. Just ask Judith about this at your appointment.
If you want to change agreed arrangements, such as where the child lives or goes to school:
If there is a court order in place:
Judith Higson is head of our Family LAW Department. She has been practising Family Law since 2003. She is an Accredited Family Law Specialist, an Accredited Child Law Specialist, an Accredited Family Law Mediator, a Collaborative Lawyer and a member of the Family Law Association. Judith has over ten years’ experience in guiding her client through separations, divorce and child law cases, often with an international element. Judith has been involved in reported and unreported cases dealing with novel aspects of the law.
Judith’s approach is pragmatic and her focus Is on achieving a fair outcome for her clients and one which is in the best interests of the children. She works proactively to deal with all aspects of family law to minimise disruption to the family as a whole.
Contact Judith on judith@scullionlaw.com, call 0141 374 2121, or fill in our online enquiry form.
Email: info@scullionlaw.com
130 Saltmarket
Glasgow
G1 5LB
0141 374 2121
105 Cadzow St
Hamilton
ML3 6HG
01698 283 265
730 Dumbarton Road
Glasgow
G11 6RD
0141 374 2121