Family Law
Separating from a partner is an emotional step in anyone’s life. There are various financial issues you may need to consider, but also child contact arrangements. CDA Law deals can assist in this difficult time.
You may also have been separated for a long time, but are having ongoing issues with contact arrangements for the children. It is not always possible to sort these out between parents, and so a solicitor can assist with negotiating arrangements to remove the stress of dealing with the other parent. Often, agreement can be reached through solicitors and/or mediation. Sometimes, the Court needs to become involved when agreement cannot be reached.
Contact can take place in various ways. This could be indirect, by way of letters, cards or gifts, or direct. If there are concerns about a parents ability to care for a child, a Contact Centre can be used. Contact here can be supervised by qualified members of staff, or supported by the staff popping in and out to check everything is ok. If the Contact Centre is not needed, contact can take place on a non-residential (day time only) or residential (with overnights) basis. The length of either of these depends on the individual circumstances.
The Court can also be asked to make a Specific Issue Order. This askes the Court to decide on a particular matter, such as whether a child can be taken out of the country, which school they attend, or medical treatment.
It may also be necessary to ask the Court to grant a Parental Responsibilites and Rights Order. A mother always has these in respect of her child. A father automatically obtains these for their child if he is named as the father on the Birth Certificate, or is married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth. If neither of these apply, he can either enter in Parental Rights and Responsibilities Agreement with the mother, or apply to the Court for an Order.
Funding for your case may be available from the Scottish Legal Aid Board, if you qualify.