Surrey Homes | SH22 | August 2016 | Wedding supplement inside

BUSS MURTON advertorial
Family Law, the next steps...
By Julie Taylor, Employment and Family Solicitor at Buss Murton Law
My husband and I are separating and I am worried
about the children, is there anything in particular I need
to know?
The most important thing is to have any difficult discussions
which may end up in an argument somewhere other than
the family home with the children present. Children love their
parents equally and will not wish to choose sides. They will be
protective of both parents and can feel caught in the middle.
It is really important not to say any unkind remarks about each
other in front of the children.
On a practical level, arrangements need to be made so the
children continue their relationship with each parent. The
starting point is for Mum and Dad to come to an agreement
on where the children live and how often they will see the
parent that is not living at home. Each arrangement will be
individual to that family and the usual method is a 'no order'
basis which means the court does not get involved and the
family make the arrangements.
A common arrangement is for the children to live with one
parent and stay with the other every other weekend and
one night during the week, where practical. For the school
holidays, it really depends on the working commitments of
each parent. Again a starting point can be a 50/50 share of
the holidays and arrangements should be planned well in
advance.
Where holidays are concerned; each parent must be aware
that the general rule is that they need the consent of the other
parent to take children abroad. Where consent is not obtained
and a parent continues to take a child out of the country this
may be a criminal offence.
Communication is the key to children arrangements. Where
children are involved parents will need to keep talking
beyond the children reaching adulthood. Whilst the financial
arrangements usually cease at this time, parents will forever be
linked through their children. There will be other milestones
to consider such as graduation, marriages, births and many
other family occasions where parents support their children.
Counselling is often helpful for family communications.
Julie Taylor
All situations are unique and where there are difficult
circumstances it is not always possible to remain on amicable
terms and come to an agreement. In these situations there is
help available from the Family Courts and your legal adviser
can talk you through the best way forward for you.
At Buss Murton Law we offer a free initial 30 minute,
no-obligation consultation for family matters. Family
matters include; separation, divorce, matrimonial
finances (including agreements pre and post
marriage), orders to protect an individual and all
types of children arrangements. We can see you at our
offices in Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, East Grinstead
or Dartford. To make an appointment, please
contact Louise Huxstep, Family Team Secretary on
01892 502 338 or email: lhuxstep@bussmurton.co.uk
www.bussmurton.co.uk
BUSS MURTON
COMMERCIAL & PERSONAL SOLICITORS