Family
Family matters involving children can be among the most sensitive and emotionally challenging issues you will ever face. Whether you are separating or concerned about contact arrangements, the impact on you and your children can feel overwhelming. Having clear advice and strong support from experienced children’s law solicitors can make all the difference.
At Roythornes, our dedicated child law solicitors understand that every family is different. We work with you to find solutions that protect your child’s best interests while addressing your practical concerns. Our focus is on achieving fair, workable outcomes that allow you to move forward with confidence.
With extensive experience across the full spectrum of children law, from child arrangements and maintenance to special guardianship, we provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. A substantial proportion of our clients come to us through recommendations, reflecting the trust and confidence families place in our family law team.
At Roythornes, our children law solicitors deal with a variety of complex child law matters, including:
If you are facing a children-related issue and need clear, expert guidance, our team is here to help. Contact us today to speak directly with one of our specialist family and child law solicitors in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Langham or Spalding.
Roythornes has one of the most experienced family law teams in the region. We act for parents, grandparents, guardians, and extended family members in a wide variety of children law matters, often involving complex circumstances or high levels of conflict, to help families realise their parental rights.
We are accredited by Resolution and recognised for our commitment to resolving disputes in a constructive and child-focused way. We can provide bespoke advice following a divorce or separation to ensure that your child’s needs are consistently prioritised during this difficult period.
Wherever possible, we encourage agreement through negotiation and mediation, avoiding the stress and uncertainty of court. However, when court involvement is necessary, our team provides robust representation, always keeping your child’s welfare as the paramount consideration.
Financial settlements after relationship breakdown
Ending a relationship through a marriage, civil partnership, or long-term cohabitation raises important questions about finances. Decisions at this stage have lasting implications, covering everything from property and pensions to savings, debts, and ongoing maintenance.
Where appropriate, we encourage resolution through negotiation or mediation to reduce conflict and cost. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, we can provide robust representation to ensure your financial settlement protects your long-term position and addresses complex matters appropriately.
Civil partnership dissolution or divorce
Although many couples now choose marriage, civil partnerships remain an important option for LGBTQ+ families. When these relationships come to an end, the process of dissolution is similar to divorce and often requires careful management of financial and parental issues.
Our dedicated civil partnerships solicitors can support you throughout civil partnership dissolution, advising on property, pensions, businesses, and any children involved. We focus on achieving outcomes that allow both parties to move forward with certainty, while ensuring agreements are formalised and enforceable.
Equally, many LGBTQ+ couples opt for marriage, which may lead to divorce later down the line if things don’t work out as planned. Our specialist divorce lawyers can ensure you’re fairly represented if you choose this option, putting your interests first at what can be a difficult time.
Parental responsibility for children
Establishing parental responsibility is vital to ensure both parents have equal rights and responsibilities towards their children. For LGBTQ+ families, this can be more complex, depending on whether the child was conceived through donor treatment, surrogacy, or a previous relationship.
Our specialist children law solicitors can provide guidance on the routes available, which may include parental responsibility agreements or court orders. We will ensure that both parents are legally recognised wherever possible, safeguarding your child’s welfare and giving your family the security it needs.
Child arrangement orders
When parents separate, deciding where a child will live and how time will be shared can be difficult. For LGBTQ+ families, issues can sometimes arise when one parent does not have automatic legal recognition.
Our solicitors are experienced in resolving child arrangement disputes sensitively and constructively. We encourage agreement wherever possible, but can represent you through court proceedings if required. Our focus is always on your child’s best interests, ensuring their stability and wellbeing are prioritised.
International family law
LGBTQ+ families are increasingly international, whether through living abroad, relocating for work, or navigating international surrogacy. These situations can create unique challenges, particularly where laws differ between countries.
Roythornes’ international family law team is highly experienced in advising LGBTQ+ clients on:
We can provide clear, strategic advice to help you manage international issues while protecting your family’s rights across borders.
To obtain a child arrangements order, you usually need to attend mediation first, unless exemptions apply. If mediation is unsuccessful or inappropriate, an application can be made to the court. The court will then decide based on what is in the child’s best interests.
Child maintenance is generally calculated by the Child Maintenance Service using a formula that takes into account the paying parent’s income, the number of children, and how much time the children spend with each parent. Private agreements can also be made if both parties agree.
If one parent wishes to relocate abroad with a child, they must have the consent of the other parent with parental responsibility or the permission of the court. The court will consider whether the move is in the child’s best interests, balancing the potential benefits against the impact on their relationship with the parent left behind.
Courts make decisions based on the welfare of the child. Factors considered include the child’s needs, the likely effect of changes in their circumstances, their relationship with each parent, and the ability of each parent to meet their needs. The child’s wishes and feelings may also be taken into account, depending on their age and understanding.
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers gain it if they are married to the mother at the time of birth or are named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003). Unmarried fathers can acquire parental responsibility by agreement with the mother or through a court order.
The process usually begins with mediation. If that fails, an application is submitted to the court, followed by a first hearing. The court may request reports from CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) and will hold further hearings if necessary, before reaching a final decision.
You should seek legal advice as soon as you are concerned about your child’s living arrangements, contact, or welfare. Early advice can help prevent disputes from escalating and ensure your rights and your child’s best interests are protected.
If you are facing a children-related issue and need clear, expert guidance, our team is here to help. Contact us today to speak directly with one of our specialist family and child law solicitors in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Langham or Spalding.
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