Children: Do we need expert advice?

Joint legal advice isn’t right for every family. It’s only appropriate once individual screening confirms both parents can take part freely, and that there’s no conflict, safeguarding concern, or other reason separate advice would serve you better.

Where it is appropriate, one shared solicitor can advise you both on what a court would likely decide for your specific circumstances, help you record your agreement in a parenting plan, and explain whether that plan needs to become a formal court order.

If you can’t agree, mediation is usually the next step, and in most cases you’re expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making a court application about your children, unless an exemption applies. If there are safety or domestic abuse concerns, raise them with your adviser straightaway, so the safest route can be considered from the outset.