Children, Custody and Access

The spouse who has day to day care and control of the dependent children are said to have custody of the children but it is possible to have joint custody which means both parents have custody and day to day control of the children with one parent. The parent who does not have day to day control of the children will tend to have access to the children. Access will be agreed either between the parties or by a Court if the parties cannot agree. Grandparents can also make an application to a Court for access to see grandchildren where they are being prevented from doing so.

It is usual for maintenance to be paid for the children to the parent who has day to day control of the children. Even if both names are not on the Title Deeds to the family home the house cannot be sold without the consent of spouse whose name is not on the Title Deeds.

Safety Order – A Safety Order is an Order preventing a person from using violence or threating to use violence against a person and or dependent children.

Protection Order – A Protection Order is a temporary Safety Order which lasts until the hearing of the Safety Order application.

Barring Order – A Barring Order forces a person against who it is made to leave the home and say away from the applicant and stay away from the applicant and dependent children.

• Wills And Probate
• Enduring Power of Attorney
• Ward of Court