​​​Private Family Law:

​

Private family law issues can be stressful, personal, and time-sensitive. You may be dealing with separation, child arrangements, difficulties with communication, or a specific disagreement about your child’s upbringing. Our barristers may be able to assist Direct Access clients with advice, drafting and representation in suitable private family law cases. This page provides general information only and is designed to help you understand what support may be available.

How can we help?

 

I need help with child arrangements:

Private family law often involves decisions about where a child lives and who they spend time with. This may include disputes about:

​

• Where a child should live;

• How often a child should spend time with each parent;

• Overnight stays;

• School holiday arrangements;

• Birthdays, Christmas and special occasions;

• Telephone or video contact;

• Handovers, including location or supervision;

• Taking a child abroad for a holiday;

• Communication between parents.

​

A barrister may be able to advise you on your position and represent you at a hearing.

 

I have an urgent issue

​

Some private family law issues may require urgent action. This may include situations where:

​

• A child has not been returned after contact;

• There is a concern that a child may be removed from the area or country;

• There is a disagreement about a child’s school, medical treatment or passport;

• One parent is making important decisions without agreement;

• There are immediate safeguarding concerns.

​

If there is an immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police or emergency services. In suitable cases, a barrister may be able to advise on urgent applications, and represent you at an urgent hearing.

 

I have been asked to attend court

​

Receiving court papers can feel overwhelming, especially if you have not been to family court before. It is helpful to know:

​

• What type of hearing you are attending;

• What the court has been asked to decide;

• Whether Cafcass has been involved;

• whether there are any safeguarding concerns;

• What documents have already been filed;

• What outcome you are asking the court for.

​

Before contacting chambers, it may help to have:

​

• The court order or hearing notice;

• The application and response forms;

• Any Cafcass letter, safeguarding letter or report;

• Any previous court orders;

• A short timeline of key events;

• Any important messages, emails or evidence;

• A brief note of what you want the court to decide.

​

A barrister can help you understand the process, advise on your case, and speak on your behalf at court.

 

I want to avoid court

​

Not every family dispute needs to go straight to court. In some cases, early advice or non-court options may help resolve or narrow the issues.

​

This may include:

​

• Mediation;

• Parenting plans;

• Negotiation;

• Round-table discussions;

• Early advice about likely outcomes.

​

A parenting plan can help separated parents agree practical arrangements, including school runs, holidays, birthdays, handovers, communication and decision-making. A barrister may be able to advise you before proceedings begin, and help you understand what a court would likely consider.

 

What types of orders can the court make?

​

The court can make different types of orders depending on the issue.

A Child Arrangements Order can decide where a child lives and who they spend time with.

A Specific Issue Order can decide a particular question, such as schooling, medical treatment, holidays or a child’s surname.

A Prohibited Steps Order can prevent someone from taking a particular step, such as removing a child from the country or changing a child’s school without agreement.

 

What will the court consider?

​

The court’s main concern is the child’s welfare. The court will focus on what arrangements are in the child’s best interests, rather than on either parent “winning” or “losing”. The court may consider matters such as the child’s needs, wishes and feelings, risk of harm, the effect of any change, and each parent or carer’s ability to meet the child’s needs.

 

 

Domestic abuse and safeguarding support

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
24-hour support for women experiencing domestic abuse.

Live Fear Free Wales
Support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence in Wales.

Welsh Women’s Aid
Support and information for women and children affected by abuse in Wales.

NSPCC
Support and advice if you are worried about a child’s safety.

 

Contact our clerks

Every family is different. If you require advice about your own circumstances, please contact our clerks to discuss whether your case may be suitable for Direct Access.

​

​