We are seeing more and more the Courts encouraging parents to come to an agreement regarding their children following separation. A parental agreement achieves this. It focusses the parents on what is in the interests of the children and shows that they are committed to putting those interests above their own.
What is a Parental Agreement?
A parental agreement is a written document agreed and signed by both parents which sets out what is to happen in relation to the sharing of care for their child/children following separation.
What does a Parental Agreement cover?
A parental agreement can cover as much or as little as you wish. It can include what the living arrangements are, where the child(ren) should spend Christmas / school holidays, religious beliefs, schooling, pocket money, educational and health needs.
As children grow older, their needs can change. Parents are encouraged to be flexible and provisions can be put in place to ensure this.
What are the benefits of a Parental Agreement?
There are a number of benefits to preparing a parental agreement which include:
- It is an agreement reached by the parents based on what they believe is in their child’s best interests.
- It is not a decision made by the Court which both parents might be unhappy with.
- Everyone knows what is with regards to arrangements for the children and this is confirmed in a written format.
- Reaching an amicable agreement is encouraged by the Courts.
- It can prevent the need for Court proceedings avoiding significant legal costs for both parents and emotional trauma for all involved.
- It provides clarity and certainty as to what the arrangements are and avoids constant communication and negotiation between the parents and / or their solicitors.
- It can avoid parental conflict which is always in the best interests of the children.
In our experience, it is also the case that should the matter ever go to Court, having the benefit of a previously agreed written plan or agreement can be helpful to the Court.
How much will a Parental Agreement cost?
Our costs to advise on and prepare a Parental Agreement start at £650.00 plus VAT.
Our costs will depend upon whether there is an agreement reached between each of you and the volume of information to be included.
Is a parental agreement legally binding?
Whilst a Parental Agreement is not legally binding, it is a written record of what has been agreed between the parents. It provides certainty to both parents and avoids the need for formal Court proceedings.
What if we can’t agree or want a legally binding agreement?
Whilst we will always encourage our clients to reach an amicable agreement in relation to their children, for all of the reasons set out above, we do appreciate that this is not always possible. In that case, our experienced Children Solicitors are able to advise and assist with applying for a Child Arrangements Order.
Child Law Solicitors Lincolnshire
Our team of child law solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP understand how important it is to protect the needs and interests of a child and how stressful disputes involving children can be.
There are also instances where children need to be safeguarded from abduction and child abuse and, in some cases, protected by the courts.
When resolving children matters, the focus will be the welfare of the children and ensuring that whatever steps are taken will be in their best interests.
We have a dedicated team of specialist child law solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP. We are on hand to offer expert advice and guidance in this complex and sensitive area of law. We can represent you in all aspects of Private Law Children Act work, including contact matters, residence, parental responsibility, and specific issues. We can also represent you in all aspects of public law proceedings.
Get in touch with Childcare Solicitors today
If you think that we can help you or someone close to you we will be happy to arrange a preliminary meeting, just get in touch.
Other Legal Services
We can also provide specialist legal advice on other areas of law that may be relevant when dealing with a child law matter, such as Divorce and Separation, Financial matters, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate Management, and Conveyancing.
