Child law & custody solicitors, London

Explore how we can help you and your family with all your legal requirements.

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At Moore Barlow, our team of dedicated child law and custody solicitors are here to provide comprehensive legal support and guidance during challenging family situations.

We understand that disputes involving children can be emotionally draining and complex, which is why we are committed to helping you navigate this process with compassion and expertise.

Our experienced solicitors have a deep understanding of child law and custody matters in London. Whether you are going through a divorce or separation, facing difficulties with child arrangements, or require assistance with child protection and welfare issues, we are here to advocate for the best interests of you and your children. Our goal is to ensure that you have the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions and achieve a positive resolution for your family.

In addition to our legal expertise, we recognise that child-related matters involve not only legal issues but emotional and practical considerations as well. That’s why our solicitors take a holistic approach, providing guidance on accessing support services, therapeutic interventions, and other resources that can facilitate the well-being and stability of your children. We are dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the complexities of child law and custody, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved.

Joanna Farrands

Joanna Farrands

Partner | Family

01483 543223

What is child law / child custody?

Child law, also known as family law, encompasses legal issues concerning children, such as child custody. Child custody refers to the legal and practical right of a parent to make decisions for their child and to have physical custody of them. It involves determining where the child will live and which parent will have the authority to make decisions regarding their education, healthcare, and upbringing.

Understanding court proceedings and timescales

Child law disputes can vary in duration based on the complexity of the case and whether the matter proceeds to court. Private law cases, such as disputes over child arrangements, typically involve several hearings over the course of a few months. Public law cases, such as care proceedings initiated by social services, follow strict 26-week timelines but may extend in exceptional circumstances. We help you understand every step of the process, from the initial application to the final hearing, so you can make informed decisions about your family’s future.

Alternatives to court: Mediation and collaborative law

Where possible, we promote child-focused mediation and collaborative law as alternatives to going to court. These methods are less adversarial and can help parents reach mutually acceptable agreements while minimising emotional stress for the child. Our solicitors are trained to support and guide you through these options, helping to create sustainable arrangements outside of the courtroom.

Domestic abuse and safeguarding concerns

If your child custody issue is linked to domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns, we act swiftly to protect both you and your children. This may involve obtaining non-molestation or occupation orders, and working with child protection agencies to create a safe environment. We prioritise safety and specialise in cases that involve coercive control, emotional abuse, and other safeguarding risks.

Why choose us?

At Moore Barlow, our experienced child law and custody solicitors in London understand the importance of protecting the best interests of your child. We provide compassionate and expert legal advice, ensuring you receive the support you need during challenging family law cases. Our team is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes, whether it involves custody disputes, visitation rights, or child maintenance matters. Trust our reputable firm to guide you through the legal process, offering tailored solutions to safeguard your child’s welfare and secure their future.

Our family team at Moore Barlow holds accreditation from the Law Society for Family Law, including specialist recognition in Children Law, demonstrating our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for children and families. We are also recognised by Resolution, an organisation committed to non-confrontational and constructive family law practice. Unlike many firms, our lawyers undergo continuous training specific to complex children matters, including international relocation, special guardianship orders, and child protection cases, ensuring you’re represented by individuals with cutting-edge knowledge in this field.

How we can help

Our team of experienced child law and custody solicitors in London are here to provide expert guidance and support in a range of issues relating to children. Whether you are dealing with a divorce or separation, disputes over custody or access arrangements, or issues surrounding child protection, our solicitors have the knowledge and expertise to help. We understand the sensitive nature of these matters and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children. With a compassionate and client-focused approach, you can trust us to navigate the complexities of child law and provide you with reliable legal advice and representation.

We offer a comprehensive range of legal support in children-related matters, including drafting and negotiating child arrangement orders, advising on parental responsibility and step-parent rights, emergency injunctions to prevent child abduction, and legal guidance on education law issues such as disputes with local authorities regarding school placements. We also support families undergoing social services involvement and assist in care proceedings, placement orders, and adoption processes, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way.

We are here to help

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Who we help

Our dedicated team of child law and custody solicitors in London provide expert legal advice and representation to parents, guardians, and families involved in child custody disputes and matters related to family law.

We assist a wide variety of clients including high-net-worth individuals, professionals in the legal, medical, and financial industries, business owners managing family challenges alongside complex corporate structures, and international families dealing with cross-border issues. In addition, we have experience working closely with guardians, foster carers, and grandparents seeking legal authority or contact arrangements, offering tailored and sensitive advice for each unique family dynamic.

Contact us

For expert advice and representation in matters of child law and custody, trust our team of dedicated solicitors in London. We have a proven track record of successfully assisting clients with child custody disputes, visitation rights, and adoption proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your child’s best interests.

We have offices in LondonRichmondSouthamptonGuildfordLymington and Woking and offer specialist support with family law issues to clients nationwide. Contact Moore Barlow to find out how we can help your case.

We are here to help

Start an online enquiry by completing our short questionnaire.

Contact our family team

Frequently asked questions: Child Law Custody

What is the difference between custody and a child arrangement order?

Custody is an outdated term in UK law and has been replaced by child arrangement orders. These orders specify who the child lives with and how they spend time with the other parent or relatives. The aim is to ensure the child’s welfare is prioritised at every stage.

Yes, grandparents can apply to the court for permission to make an application for a child arrangement order to have contact with their grandchildren. While they do not have automatic rights, the court does acknowledge the important role grandparents play in a child’s life.

In certain situations, a CAFCASS officer (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) may be appointed to represent the interests of the child and gather their views, which are then presented to the court. Depending on their age and maturity, the court may give weight to the child’s feelings and wishes.

A parent will need the other parent’s consent or a court order to take a child abroad to live. These relocation cases can be complex, and the court will consider the best interests of the child, including family ties and emotional stability, before granting permission.

You will need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order to legally change a child’s surname. Courts only permit this if it is in the best interests of the child, and they will consider emotional and identity implications.

Our team accreditations

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