Most people involved in the upbringing of a child or children will always want what is in the child’s best interests, but adults don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to agreeing on how this is to be achieved. Unfortunately, disputes can and do arise about where a child will live, how much contact they are to have with a non-resident parent, how they should be educated or the medical treatment they should receive. Our family and child law solicitors have vast experience helping clients throughout Ayrshire resolve issues such as these concerning children and child custody. We take a sympathetic yet practical and objective approach, handling our clients’ cases with sensitivity and discretion.
Legal support for child residence, contact and custody
One of the most common legal issues affecting children is the end of their parents’ relationship. This raises the sensitive issue of agreeing to child arrangements, which are often complex and made more difficult if emotions are running high. It’s understandably not uncommon for disagreements to easily break out over contact (formerly referred to as access), residence (formerly referred to as custody) and maintenance. In Scotland, it is a central principle of the law relating to children that when any decision is being taken about a child, the child’s best interests must be the primary consideration. Further guiding principles include that both parents should share responsibility for their children’s upbringing and that no court should make an order relating to a child unless it would be better in all the circumstances to make one. These and other general rules mean that it is often best for individuals to reach an agreement by engaging in mediation or collaborative law rather than by pursuing legal action in the courts. If, however, parents cannot agree on arrangements for their children, it is possible to apply to the court to decide residence, contact or maintenance issues. If the court does make a decision, the parents must abide by the order. If they do not, they may be held in contempt of court and face a criminal penalty. Our family law solicitors work closely with our clients in order to find effective solutions that are tailored to their unique circumstances. Gordon, a senior partner, regularly represents mothers, fathers and other relevant parties, and his experience in the area of child law is such that he is often appointed by the court to provide independent reports in family cases. We will carefully consider your circumstances and help you to find a solution that keeps the best interests of the child at its heart. Please contact us for more information.
Contact our Family and Child Law Solicitors – Ayrshire, Scotland
As a family firm that has been serving the local Ayrshire community for over 30 years, we understand how sensitive issues relating to children and child custody can be for everyone involved. That’s one of the reasons we strive to go above and beyond what is expected of a lawyer, providing our clients with the care and attention they deserve. Whatever advice and help you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Legal Aid may be available.
Our Clients
Ayrshire, Scotland
From our offices in North Ayrshire, we serve clients all across Scotland, including Saltcoats and Ardrossan, Skelmorlie and Stewarton, Ayr and Irvine, Kilwinning and West Kilbride, Troon and Prestwick, Largs and Fairlie, Kilmarnock and Kilmaurs.
