Child Custody | Children Disputes | Howells Solicitors
Make a payment
Contact Us

Child Custody & Child Access

Child Custody and Child Access

If you are in the process of separating or getting divorced, and you have children, you will need to settle the arrangements for their future.  Many families manage this amicably however others need assistance from solicitors. This also includes long-standing agreements that have gone wrong over time.

Our family law team can advise and support parents and grandparents either through negotiations, in between mediation appointments or through court representation if necessary

Speak to our team today

What We Can Help with Regarding Child Custody and Child Access

Our experienced and understanding family solicitors can help with the following issues:

  • Where children will live
  • The amount of time a child will spend with parents or grandparents
  • If an agreement cannot be reached over schooling
  • If one parent wishes to move away
  • Child abduction

A number of our solicitors in our team are Resolution Accredited as specialists in the law relating to children.

Howells Solicitors are specialists at dealing with disputes regarding children and can support you with:

  • Children disputes – e.g. deciding where your children live
  • Preparing prenuptial agreements
  • Divorce and Separation
  • Creating or amending a Will
  • Civil Partnerships

Child Custody and Child Access FAQs

What is a Child Arrangement Dispute?

The Child Arrangements Programme (the ‘CAP’) applies when a dispute arises between separated parents and/or families about the arrangements concerning children.

Can a Father Stop a Mother from Seeing her Child?

Your partner cannot legally stop you from having access to your child unless it will be detrimental to your child’s welfare.

What Do Family Law Solicitors Do?

Most family law solicitors assist with childcare proceedings, cohabitation agreements, divorce settlements and a host of other legal issues regarding divorce and separation. 

Our Family Law specialists can support with:

Family Law Articles

Family Law
Do I Need a Pre-Nuptial or Post-Nuptial Agreement?

02 Jun , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Talking to your partner about a pre-nuptial agreement can be an uncomfortable conversation. However, in many circumstances, it is sensible to ensure that certain financial assets you already own are secured for your future. Once you are married, there may...
Family Law
No Fault Divorce – UK Divorce Law Changes Explained

25 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

In April 2022, the introduction of the long awaited ‘no fault divorce’ came into effect in UK divorce law. Since then, separated couples are able to apply for a divorce without having to assign blame for the breakdown of the...
Family Law
Do I Need a Solicitor For My Divorce?

19 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

You may be considering, or have decided, to end your marriage and file for divorce. The divorce process is an emotionally challenging experience, and it can be complicated and often heartbreaking for all involved. When a couple decides to separate...
Family Law
Amicable Divorces

Howells Solicitors

One of the big worries when entering divorce proceedings is how much stress it will place on the separating couple and the impact it will have on any children. We hear a lot about nightmare divorces, but can there be...
Family Law
What are the Grounds for Divorce?

19 Nov , 2022

Howells Solicitors

As the current law stands, to apply for a divorce, you must do so on the grounds that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. Technically, this is now the only grounds for divorce. Previously, the law set out in the...
Family Law
Methodist Church permits same-sex marriages

08 Jul , 2021

Howells Solicitors

The Methodist Church has become the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages, in a much welcomed announcement on 30th June 2021. (more…)
Children Law
Who Would Look After Your Children if You Died?

29 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We know that it’s a hard and uneasy thought to have, but also one which many parents do think about. Do you know who would look after your children if you died? If you have shared parental responsibility and one...
Family Law
Date is announced for No-Fault Divorce

09 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We are very pleased to hear that “no-fault divorces” will come into force on 6th April 2022. This week, Ministers have announced that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame. These...
Family Law
What is a financial settlement?

06 May , 2021

Howells Solicitors

Once you’ve taken the decision to divorce you will need to reach a formal financial settlement. A financial settlement is legally binding and covers the specifics of how to deal with your financial assets following separation. (more…)
Family Law
National Divorce Day

01 Dec , 2020

Howells Solicitors

After the festive period draws to a close, family law specialists tend to see a spike in divorce enquiries. This has resulted in the first working Monday of the calendar year being known as National Divorce Day.  (more…)
Family Law
What is a Cohabitation Agreement? – Ask an Expert

27 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I’m moving in with my partner and we intend to buy a house together. My parents have suggested I contact a Solicitor to protect myself legally. How can a Solicitor help?” (more…)
Family Law
How to Support a Victim of Domestic Abuse

20 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

(more…)
Family Law
What are the rules regarding Support Bubbles?

02 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

The new lockdown across England means people must stay home unless for specific reasons. The Government has declared that support bubbles will remain in place but many are confused by the rules. (more…)
Family Law
Ask an Expert – Will a divorce financial settlement affect my benefits?

22 Oct , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I receive Tax Credits and other benefits and allowances, will a lump sum settlement from my divorce affect what I can claim?” Speak to our Team Today (more…)
Family Law
What Are Your Legal Rights As a ‘Common Law Spouse’?

29 Aug , 2020

Howells Solicitors

(more…)
Family Law
Barnsley Families Supported as New Family Law Specialist Joins Howells Solicitors

23 Jan , 2020

Howells Solicitors

This week we boast a new jewel in our crown, as senior solicitor and collaborative law specialist, Wendy Bailey, joins our matrimonial team in Barnsley. With 27 years’ experience of Family Law in the South Yorkshire region, Wendy, who is...
Family Law
Civil Partnerships: Not just for same sex couples

09 Dec , 2019

Howells Solicitors

Civil Partnerships now allow mixed sex, as well as same sex, couples to register. However what is the difference between a civil partnership and marriage? (more…)
Family Law
DIY Divorce

28 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

A rising number of couples are resorting to DIY services in an attempt to reduce the costs of divorce. Filing for a divorce independently can cost as little as £550, which is the court fee for a divorce petition.  If...
Family Law
Howells Boost Matrimonial Department with Addition of New Family Law Specialist

04 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

At a time where many law firms in the region are struggling to grow their matrimonial department, Howells are thrilled to be expanding theirs. In October, not only are Howells celebrating their 40th anniversary, but they are celebrating another addition...
Family Law
What is the difference between Marriage and Civil Partnership?

18 Jan , 2019

Howells Solicitors

With the announcement in October 2018 from the Government to introduce civil partnerships for mixed sex couples, we take a look at the difference between marriage and civil partnerships. (more…)
Family Law
Divorcing couples reminded of the importance of pensions in addressing the division of matrimonial finances.

13 Sep , 2018

Howells Solicitors

According to a report publicised by Age UK, thousands of pensioners are missing out on pension provision that would have helped them in retirement. (more…)
Family Law
Divorce Refused in UK Courts

17 Feb , 2017

Howells Solicitors

A woman has stated how “desperately unhappy” she is after being married for 39 years. Yet the UK Courts have refused to grant her a divorce. This case highlights the need to seek advice. Howells can offer a free half...
Family Law
Howells Family Partner qualifies as Mediator

02 Jul , 2013

Howells Solicitors

Howells  has extended the services the family team can offer as Partner Alyson Siddall has now  qualified as a Resolution Trained Mediator. Alyson can offer clients who find themselves in dispute an alternative way forward to resolve their disputes together without...

Request a Call back

The Howells Solicitors law team are compassionate, down-to-earth and professional, offering you the best expert advice. Get in touch with solicitors in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley to see how we can help. Fill in the form or give us a call at:

"*" indicates required fields

The Family Law Team

Alyson Siddall

0114 249 6659
Contact Profile
Caroline Euinton

0114 249 6643
Contact Profile
John Clegg

0114 249 6795
Contact Profile
Liam Gray

0114 249 6605
Contact Profile
Louise Ellis

01709 364 000
Contact Profile
Ramandeep Kaur

0114 249 6703
Contact Profile
Sharon Lockwood

01709 364000
Contact Profile
Wendy Bailey

01226 805 190
Contact Profile