Children & Divorce Solicitors in Derby, Burton, Ashby & Swadlincote
When a relationship ends, your child’s wellbeing is naturally your priority. We understand how important it is to protect them from uncertainty and help them adjust to the changes ahead.
At Timms Solicitors, our experienced family law team is here to guide you through every aspect of arrangements for your child or children, from where they will live to how they will spend time with each parent. We take a sensitive, practical approach, always keeping your child’s best interests at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you’re hoping to reach an agreement together, considering mediation or need representation in court, we’ll provide clear, straightforward advice tailored to your family’s situation.
Our goal is to help you find solutions that give your children the stability and reassurance they need during a difficult time.
How Timms Can Support You
Every family’s circumstances are different, and the legal issues that arise during separation can be complex.
Below are some of the key areas where our family law team regularly supports parents, grandparents, and other family members.
Child Arrangements Disputes
When parents cannot agree on where a child will live or how much time they will spend with each parent, it may be necessary to seek a formal child arrangements order through the courts. These orders set out the practical details of a child's day-to-day care and contact schedule.
We always encourage parents to reach agreement through negotiation or mediation wherever possible. This is usually quicker, less costly, and less stressful for everyone involved, especially the children. However, when agreement isn't achievable, we can guide you through the court process with sensitivity and clarity, keeping your child's best interests at the centre of every decision.
Find out more about Child Arrangement Orders
Parental Responsibility
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, and authority a person has in relation to a child. This includes making important decisions about their education, medical treatment, religion, and general upbringing.
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility from birth. Fathers have it automatically if they were married to the mother at the time of birth or are named on the birth certificate (for children born after December 2003). In other situations, parental responsibility can be acquired through a formal agreement or court order. Understanding your parental responsibility, and how it may be affected by separation, is essential when navigating arrangements for your child.
Learn more about Parental Responsibility
Grandparents Rights
Grandparents often play a vital role in a child's life, providing love, stability, and continuity. Sadly, family breakdown can sometimes disrupt these important relationships, leaving grandparents uncertain about their legal position.
In England and Wales, grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren. However, it is possible to apply to the court for permission to seek a child arrangements order. The court's primary concern will always be what is best for the child, and maintaining meaningful relationships with extended family is often considered beneficial. If you're a grandparent who has lost contact with a grandchild, we can advise you on your options.
Read more about Grandparents' Rights – CLICK HERE
Parental Alienation
Parental alienation occurs when one parent deliberately undermines a child’s relationship with the other parent, whether through negative comments, restricting contact, or manipulating the child’s feelings. This can cause serious emotional harm to children and is taken increasingly seriously by the family courts.
If you believe your child is being turned against you, or if you’re facing false allegations of alienation, early legal advice is crucial. We can help you understand the signs of alienation, gather appropriate evidence, and take steps to protect your relationship with your child.
Read more about Parental Alienation.
Financial Support for Children
When parents separate, one of the most common concerns is how their children’s financial needs will be met. While many families are able to agree child maintenance arrangements between themselves, this is not always possible. In these situations, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) can calculate and manage maintenance payments, helping to ensure that both parents continue to contribute towards their child’s upbringing.
Sometimes, a child’s needs go beyond regular maintenance payments. In certain circumstances, the court can make additional financial provision for a child, including help with housing, education, or other significant expenses through a Schedule 1 Children Act application. Whether you need advice about child maintenance, financial support, or resolving a dispute, our experienced family law team can help you understand your options and work towards arrangements that provide stability and security for your children.
Why Choose Timms Solicitors?
Navigating divorce and separation when children are involved requires clear advice, careful planning, and the right legal support. Whether you need help resolving child arrangements, understanding parental responsibility, maintaining a relationship as a grandparent, or addressing concerns about parental alienation, our experienced family law team is here to guide you.
Adrian Rose, Jessica Barnett, and Amelia Harrison bring over 40 years of combined experience helping families through these difficult times. We understand that every situation is unique, and we tailor our advice to your individual needs, always keeping your children’s best interests at the heart of everything we do.
For a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your circumstances, contact us on freephone 0800 011 6666 or email legal@timms-law.com.
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