0113 322 9222 | enquiries@consilialegal.co.uk | Donate To Our Partner Charity:

The Court’s Approach

The Court’s Approach

When a Court application is made for a Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issues Order or a Prohibited Steps Order there are various factors that the Court will take into consideration when deciding whether to make the order.

The Court will consider the following three principles: –

The child’s welfare is the Court’s paramount consideration;
Any delay in resolving matters is likely to prejudice the welfare of the child; and
The Court shall not make an order unless it considers that doing so would be better for the child than making no order at all.

The Court will also have regard to the following factors commonly known as the ‘Welfare Checklist’:

the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the children concerned (considered in the light of the child’s age and understanding);
their physical, emotional and educational needs;
the likely effect on the children of any change in their circumstances;
their age, sex, background, and any characteristic of theirs which the Court considers relevant;
any harm which they have suffered or are at risk of suffering;
how capable each of the parents, and any other person in relation to whom the Court considers the question to be relevant, is of meeting the child’s needs; and
the range of powers available to the Court under the Children Act in the proceedings in question.

The Court will look at which of the above principles and factors are relevant to the case and consider them accordingly. Ultimately the aim the of Court is to ensure that whatever decision is made is in the best interests of the child.

Unfortunately there are no guarantees or fixed outcomes when making a formal Court application and each case will be dealt with on its facts. This litigation risk is something to bear in mind when considering whether to make an application.

For more information speak to one of our experienced family solicitors on 0113 322 9222 or enquires@consilialegal.co.uk or complete our contact us form.

Can I be made to sell my business on divorce?

Financial Disclosure in Divorce: What is this?

Navigating Child Maintenance

High Net Worth Divorce – how we can help.

Divorce and Issues of Capacity

Can money bring you love?

Divorce Law Reform On its Way!

Jack Osbourne’s divorce: It just didn’t work

Laura Clapton

Director, Family Solicitor & Mediator

0113 887 4672
0786 023 2975
laura@consilialegal.co.uk
LinkedIn
Google+

Contact Laura

Who We Are

Our highly experienced family solicitors work with you in the best way for you. As accredited mediators and experienced litigators we can assist you by whatever method is needed for your situation.

We know that every family situation is different and we pride ourselves in finding creative solutions which best work for you and your children.

For further information in regards to our family law specialists, please check out their profiles to read a little bit more about them

MEET THE TEAM

Free Consultation

We understand that you will want to have an initial conversation with one of our family experts to see how we can help you. This is why we offer a free consultation to assess your needs and to see how we can assist. Meetings can take place either face to face, over the phone, by email or through Skype/Zoom. Depending on each person’s personal circumstances, we will try to accommodate you to ensure that regular discussions can take place to progress matters.

For a no obligation, free initial discussion please call us on 0113 322 9222.

How We Can Help

Our experienced family & divorce solicitors can advise, guide and assist you in all aspects of private family law including:-

What Our Clients Say About Our Family Law Services

Laura Clapton has been brilliant and very professional through the Mediation process. I highly recommend her.

Jen Huggett

Absolutely five star service from Laura Clapton and her team, always kept informed of progress, and Laura was always available on the end of the phone to answer any questions. Highly recommended, thank you Consilia Legal.

Jane C

Professional and personal. Vicky was very caring and listened to my issue, advice was clear and easy to understand. Vicky ensured my mind was at ease and I knew my options. Excellent service. Sarah really knows the family sector, she puts you at ease instantly and ensures you are aware of all the options. Would definitely recommend this service. Thank you for your help.

Catherine White

Vicky guided me through the legal context of an employment and was very efficent, approachable and supportive. I would highly recommend this company and Vicky to others who need legal support and advice. Many thanks.

Maureen Sheridan

Had a great experience working with Victoria. Felt completely comfortable asking all kinds of questions and she always explained them really well.

Julia Mariani

I often get clients asking if I can assist with employment and family matters. As this is not my area of specialism I am conscious to help assist by passing them onto a trusted source who will look after the client in the best manner possible and with the same approach and ethos as myself. For employment and family matters I recommend to Consilia Legal as they contact the client promptly and provide practical no nonsense advice at a great value. I have no hesitation in recommending their services and will continue to direct my clients to them for this type of legal advice.

John Bailes

What our clients say about Consilia Legal on

Superb professional, supportive & friendly service by Laura and her colleagues. Their responses to both emails and telephone calls were quick and precise. I could and not of asked for a better service during a very difficult period, and would not hesitate to use again. Steve

Steve Wallis
9/02/2019
Consilia provided a great service during a difficult period when I was made redundant. Vicky showed great professionalism and expert knowledge in addition to genuinely caring about resolving my situation. I would highly recommend them.

Phil Sugden
11/06/2019
I had to get a Solicitor a pretty short notice, and Andy was able to see me the same day. He made me feel very at ease and explained everything to me so I could understand it better. I would highly recommend Consilia to everyone Thank you again Andy for your fantastic advice and support

Kelly Rawson
12/18/2019
Victoria Horner offered me employment law advice over the telephone and via email which was impartial but ultimately a game changer in the redundancy situation I found myself in with my employer. Victoria’s advice was instrumental in allowing me to negotiate redundancy and meant I was fully abreast of the law when having conversations with my employer. Victoria presented to me options which I have not yet considered or been made aware of a being entitled to which placed me in a stronger position when in dialogue with the HR department I was dealing with. This made me feel more empowered and gave me back some control during a very unsettling and confidence eroding time. Thank you Victoria.

Sarah De Biase
3/06/2019
Andy Boyde at Consilia Legal was more than helpful I highly recommend him for he went above and beyond. If your looking for a good honest solicitor who is genuine and transparent throughout then look no further. Danielle Phillip

Danielle Phillip
7/31/2019
I would like to say a big thank you to Emma Cartlidge Employment Solicitor. She was extremely professional, friendly and polite and very thorough in her work. Emma helped me with my matter making sure to stay in touch and keep me fully informed at all stages. The service from Consillia Legal has been amazing. Everyone I have spoken to has been super friendly and so helpful including Matt on Reception and Victoria who I spoke to for initial advice. This is definitely a 5-star rated law firm and I would not hesitate to recommend Emma and her colleagues. A big thank you !

RAVINDER Heer
1/09/2020
Excellent service from Laura Clapton guiding me through a difficult divorce process. Super efficient, professional and carries out the work with understanding and compassion for your situation. Would highly recommend and have already recommended.

Jo Allan
4/09/2019