Putting your children first
When a relationship breaks down, the most important question for most parents is simple: what happens to the children? At George Ide, we help families reach practical, lasting arrangements that keep your children’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision.
Why choose George Ide LLP
Our family law team combines extensive experience with a practical, empathetic approach. We work closely with parents to protect your children’s interests, explain your rights in plain English, and guide you through every stage of the process. Our focus is on clear communication, cost-effective solutions, and helping families achieve outcomes that are both fair and workable.
Reaching child arrangements that work
Agreeing child arrangements after separation or divorce can often be challenging. Keeping the children in mind at every stage is vital.
We help parents establish practical arrangements that are focused on the best interests of their children. This includes:
- Formalising custody and access arrangements
- Drafting child residence orders
- Ensuring children’s well-being is prioritised in every decision.
Mediation and collaborative approaches
Before going to court, mediation or collaborative approaches are often the better first step for resolving child arrangements. Mediation allows parents to discuss issues with a trained neutral mediator and reach agreements without the stress, cost, and time of court proceedings.
It can also help parents:
- Maintain cooperative relationships
- Focus on what is best for their child
- Avoid unnecessary court disputes
At George Ide, we can advise you on whether mediation is appropriate and support you throughout the process. Learn more about our family mediation services to see how it could work for your situation.
George Ide LLP. We're on your sideOur family law team
The family law team at George Ide LLP has specialist expertise to ensure your children’s needs remain paramount throughout your separation or divorce.
If you would like to speak to a solicitor about child arrangements or any family law issue, call our Chichester office on 01243 786668, email the family law team at info@georgeide.co.uk or contact the team directly using our details below.
Understanding parental responsibility
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and duties a parent has in relation to their child. This includes decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Parents with parental responsibility must be involved in major decisions affecting their child.
Disputes over parental responsibility are a common reason families seek legal advice. We can guide you on how the law applies and help you protect your child’s best interests.
When parents can’t agree
If parents cannot reach an agreement, we take a robust approach to court proceedings to safeguard where and with whom children live. This may include obtaining court orders for:
- Child residence and contact
- Education and schooling
- Any other issues affecting your child’s welfare
Our team also assists parents or step-parents in disputes over parental responsibility.
Understanding court orders for children
When children are involved in a divorce or separation, the court uses specific legal orders to resolve arrangements. At George Ide LLP, we can advise and represent you in obtaining the following types of orders:
- Child Arrangements Orders – Set out where a child will live, and the time they will spend with each parent or other significant carers.
- Specific Issue Orders – Resolve particular questions about a child’s upbringing, such as schooling, medical treatment, or religion.
- Prohibited Steps Orders – Prevent a parent or guardian from taking a specific action regarding the child without the court’s permission, for example taking them abroad or changing their school.
We guide parents through the process, explain your rights, and help secure arrangements that are in the child’s best interests.
Client Testimonials
Dear Alice, thank you for your professionalism, kindness and guidance. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. We feel you have been a shining star in our lives. Alice, you are great asset to your chosen profession and to George Ide LLP. We are privileged to have had you on board.
Viv Menecier
Alice Leadbeatter
I can enthusiastically recommend Alice Leadbeatter/George Ide. I was extremely grateful for the clarity of her communications and for demystifying many of the processes. Alice was prompt in her replies and very professional – both of which were appreciated in navigating a difficult time.
Jennifer Hudson
Alice Leadbeatter
Alice was reassuring, kind, easy to talk to, very clear in her advice and very efficient. What more does anyone need?
Julia Burchell
Alice Leadbeatter
Alice has always replied promptly to emails/telephone calls. She was extremely helpful and made the whole process go smoothly. I would definitely recommend her to anyone thinking of a divorce.
Nuala Field
Alice Leadbeatter
I would like to mention my solicitor, Alice Leadbeatter. I have received such great, professional service from her throughout my case. Alice has been so patient and shown enormous empathy towards my situation. I feel I get good, honest advice from her and I feel I definitely have made the right choice of solicitor.
Sharon Miles
Alice Leadbeatter
Alice was amazing from start to finish, gave me accurate and sound advice. She always kept my expectations to a realistic level, and I would recommend her to anyone in a similar position to me, a credit to George Ide solicitors. I always felt I was dealing with a friend not just a solicitor.
Garry Sherrington
Alice Leadbeatter
Alice provided an exceptional service throughout the year and a half that I used her. She worked tirelessly on my behalf while I went through an extremely painful divorce and child separation issues. As well as her diligence and hard work, she demonstrated a compassion towards me, and a human side that showed that she truly cared about my situation. She has been exemplary in every way throughout the time that I have required her services. I recommend her to anyone, particularly anyone going through a painful legal process that requires an empathetic lawyer who treats you like a friend. She was also very good at explaining complex legal issues succinctly, which was incredibly helpful.
Sam Mellor
Alice Leadbeatter
Dear Alice. The right sound legal support from yourself has made such a difference to me. Thank you Alice, I have always trusted your advice and couldn’t have asked for more from you.
Shari Miles
Alice Leadbeatter
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Who decides where the children live after separation?
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What is a Child Arrangements Order?
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What does the court consider when deciding children matters?
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What is CAFCASS and when do they get involved?
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What is parental responsibility and how is it different from contact?
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Can I move away with the children without my ex's agreement?
Contact Our Friendly Legal Experts Today
For general enquiries or to discuss more specific needs in personal or commercial law please get in touch with a friendly member of our team today.
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