Many different situations and circumstances can raise legal issues affecting children and their families. At Hunter & Robertson, our child law specialist Jilly-Anne Melrose approaches every situation with sensitivity, compassion, and determination.
She has vast experience dealing with all legal issues relating to children and family law, regularly advising and representing clients at Children's Hearings and before the courts.
By seeking legal advice from our expert family lawyers early on, who will fight your corner, it's possible to ensure your rights and best interests are truly represented and protected.
Child Contact & Residence Lawyers Paisley
Despite best intentions, parents often disagree in the wake of a divorce or separation, both between themselves and when social workers intervene, on where children are to live and how contact should be maintained.
Our expert family law and child law solicitors have a wealth of experience and knowledge of child custody matters, also known as child arrangements, including child contact and residence issues, adoption and permanency orders, and how to navigate the family court process.
How our Child Contact & Residence Solicitors Can Help
We will advise on the options that are available for securing residence and contact, and where necessary, make powerful representations on your behalf to provide you with the legal representation you need and ensure the best outcome possible for you and your child or children.
Amongst other things, we can assist:
- If residence and contact are in dispute between parents or other family members – in these circumstances, it is possible to apply for a court order. When considering whether to grant a residence or contact order, the court will be primarily concerned with the welfare of the child.
- If residence and contact are in dispute following social work intervention, such as a child being subject to compulsory measures of care – in these circumstances, it is possible to hold a Children’s Hearing in order for the Panel Members to determine the level of contact that is appropriate. In certain circumstances, if not satisfied with that decision, the decision can be appealed to the Sheriff Court.
- If you signed a voluntary agreement with the social work department for your child to go into care but would like your child to be returned home – although it is up to the department to determine the progress that can be made, it is possible for you to withdraw consent, which would require the department, if they wish the child to remain in care, to obtain a Child Protection Order. The issue would then by regulated through the court system.
- If a parent moves with their children to another country, whether within the UK or beyond, without the other parent’s consent – in order to do so, they must have express permission from the court via a specific issue order. If the parent moves away with their children without consent or permission, it may be necessary to raise child abduction proceedings to secure the return of the children.
If you are facing legal issues pertaining to child custody, contact arrangements, or any other family law matter, contact Hunter & Robertson Solicitors today to get expert advice from an experienced child custody solicitor.
Expert Child Custody Lawyers Paisley
Our team of dedicated expert child custody solicitors understands that any issues or disputes pertaining to child arrangements, e.g. child contact and residence, can be stressful and emotional whether you are a resident or non resident parent, which is why we will provide you with expert legal services that are both compassionate and effective.
Our team of child arrangements/child custody specialists will strive to ensure that the outcome of your case serves the best interests of both you and your child. We will work with you to develop an effective strategy that meets your needs as well as the needs of your child, while providing the necessary support and guidance throughout the process.
Adoption & Permanency Orders
If the social work department has advised you that your child will be adopted, our team of family lawyers can offer expert legal advice and support.
Adoption, which is achieved through a permanence order, is a legal process that results in the parental rights of the birth parents being extinguished and granted to the new adoptive parents for the child.
For the child to be adopted, there must be consent from the birth parents. Where an agreement cannot be reached, i.e. if the birth parents do not consent, then a Petition would require to be lodged at Court in which the Local Authority would seek authority from the Court that the child can be adopted without consent from the birth parents.
As the birth parent, i.e. the biological parent, you would have the opportunity to be represented at the Hearing, and the Sheriff would only make a decision after hearing evidence from witnesses.
Permanence Orders Lawyers Paisley
Our family lawyers are passionate about helping families and children in need, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and attention to detail, and with the best interests of you and your child at the forefront.
We have a deep understanding of the legal framework surrounding permanence orders in Scotland, and we will use our expertise to ensure that your case is presented in the strongest possible manner.
For expert practical advice about adoption and permanence orders, or for any other questions pertaining to child and family law, contact our experienced family lawyers today.
What is a permanence order?
In Scotland, a permanence order is a legal order that gives parental responsibilities and rights to a local authority and /or an alternative carer, such as a long-term foster carer. It is granted by the Court when a parent is deemed to be unable to discharge their parental rights and responsibilities.
The order provides a secure and permanent home for the children involved, either through adoption or long-term fostering. The purpose of the order is to ensure that the child's welfare and best interests, as well as the child's physical and emotional wellbeing, are protected.
Permanence orders are only issued after thorough assessments and evaluations by social workers, courts, and other relevant authorities. The order can only be revoked or varied by the court under exceptional circumstances.
We understand that dealing with a permanence order can be a complex and emotionally charged process, which is why our lawyers are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate through the legal system.
Contact our experienced child custody and family lawyers today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your legal needs.
Children’s Hearings and Appeals
Our child law and child custody specialist Jilly-Ann Melrose regularly advises in disputes before the Children's Hearings and appeals against Decision of the Children's Hearings. She will let you know what to expect at a Children's Hearing, from who counts as a ‘relevant person' and allowed to attend, to the procedure and what outcomes to expect, as well as whether you can appeal a decision of the Children's Hearing.
Child Arrangements Solicitors Paisley, Scotland
Our specialist child law and child custody lawyers have extensive experience, an enviable reputation, and in depth knowledge of child custody laws and child arrangements, including child contact and residence matters, adoption and permanence orders, or any other family court matter.
No matter what legal issue you may be facing, we will fight your corner and do what's best for you and your child or children.
Get in Touch with a Child Custody Lawyer today
If you live in Paisley, Linwood, Renfrew, Houston, Johnstone, Dalry, Bridge of Weir, Elderslie or another surrounding area, and you need an experienced child law solicitor, seek advice from our specialist lawyers today.
Get in touch with expert child custody lawyers today by calling 0141 889 3196 or by filling out our online enquiry form.