Disputes Over Children
Family Law
Section 12 of the Children and Families Act 2014 came into effect on 22 April 2014. This has amended Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 to remove the terms “Residence Order” and “Contact Order”. There is now a single Order known as a Child Arrangement Order.
A Child Arrangement Order specifies when and with whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with.
Where a Residence Order was in force before 22 April 2014, that will be deemed to be a Child Arrangement Order which will regularise with whom a child is to live. Where a Contact Order was in place before 22 April 2014, that will be known as a Child Arrangement Order which regulates with whom and when a child is to spend time or otherwise have contact with another person.
If an Application has already been made to the Court for a Residence or a Contact Order, that will be deemed to be an Application for a Child Arrangement Order.
It is now compulsory for a person to attend a Family Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before an Application to the Court in Private Law proceedings is issued, save for in limited circumstances.
It is essential that you receive specialist advice from an experienced lawyer in matters relating to children. The Family Department at Hart Reade offers a free 30 minute appointment to discuss your circumstances and to give you preliminary legal advice. Please telephone the following contact numbers to arrange an appointment.
Eastbourne: 01323 727321
Hailsham: 01323 841481
Polegate: 01323 487051
