If all attempts to negotiate or engage in non-court dispute resolution fail, an application for an order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 can be made.
The process begins with the filing of an application by an eligible individual. The court will then gatekeep the matter and order CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to complete initial safeguarding checks into each of the parties. They will not speak to the child at this stage.
The court will then list a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) to narrow the issues and encourage the parties to engage in mediation or reach an agreement. The court may also make interim orders for contact at this stage, provided safeguarding information has been received.
If matters remain unresolved, the court may order further hearings, investigations, or reports from agencies like CAFCASS.
If necessary, the court may list the matter for a final hearing. This involves presenting evidence and arguments before the judge or magistrates, who will make a decision they consider to be in the child’s best interests. At the conclusion of the proceedings, the court issues an order, which is binding and enforceable, outlining the arrangements for the child.
The firm provides caring and supportive legal advice to families with matters ranging from pre-nuptials, divorces (including ex-pat divorces in foreign jurisdictions), separation, relationships, child care, parents and grandparents rights.
If you do need to talk through your personal relationship circumstances with someone who’s completely independent and unbiased, please do talk to us. We’re here to help and advise you and help you through the personal problems you face. You can rely on our experience, expertise and emotional support to put you on the right course of action, a path that’s totally right for you.
Get in touch today. We want to help.
If you do need to talk through your personal relationship circumstances with someone who’s completely independent and unbiased, please do talk to us. We’re here to help and advise you and help you through the personal problems you face. You can rely on our experience, expertise and emotional support to put you on the right course of action, a path that’s totally right for your situation.
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Our Core Values are Welcoming, Confident, Supportive, Knowledgeable and Dependable and we aim for clients to have a positive experience with Lawson West Solicitors.
Evidence of our great client service can be seen in the reviews and testimonials we regularly receive. We are always pleased to receive great reviews because it means our clients are happy with the service we provide, and it shows that we deliver on our core values, we don’t just talk about them. We really welcome client feedback and hope you enjoy reading some of the latest testimonials throughout this website.
