Separation and Divorce

Divorce Settlements

Children

» Contact
» Residence
» Specific Issues
» Prohibited Steps
» Child Maintenance
» Child Support Agency
» Parental Responsibility

Cohabitation

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Civil Partnership Agreements

Mediation

Domestic Violence

Life after Divorce

Making a Will

Change of Name

CHILDREN

THE EFFECTS OF SEPARATION AND DIVORCE ON CHILDREN

The end of their parents’ relationship creates a difficult time for children. Worse, children often blame themselves when their parents separate and divorce. A useful website to help children deal with and understand what is happening to them is itsnotyourfault.org.

NO ORDER PRINCIPLE

It is preferable for parents who are separating or divorcing to reach agreement between them. There is a no order principle in which the Courts will not make an order unless it considers it is in the child’s best interests to do so.

DIVORCE AND CHILDREN

Divorce is damaging for children. If their parents argue over the arrangements for them this makes the children feel bad, guilty, disloyal to one or other of their parents, stressed, miserable and lost.

That said, if agreement cannot be reached then the following options are available:

1. MEDIATION
2. COURT APPLICATION

THE TYPES OF ORDER A COURT CAN MAKE

1. CONTACT (ACCESS)
2. RESIDENCE (CUSTODY)
3. SPECIFIC ISSUES
4. PROHIBITED STEPS
5. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

In respect of CHILD MAINTENANCE the Courts do not have jurisdiction for the majority of families and if agreement cannot be reached an application to the CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY (CSA) may be necessary.

Maintenance for children is now governed by a set formula and the CSA encourages parents to reach agreement based upon their figures and pay each other direct. However, they will make collections if required.