With the summer holidays coming to a close and children heading back to school, now is a good time for separated parents to start planning contact arrangements for the upcoming October half-term and Christmas holiday.

The process

1. Meditation

Before making an application to the family court, parents are usually required to attend a mediation session called a MIAM. Mediation can be a helpful way for

separated parents to reach an agreement about child contact arrangements without the need for court proceedings. However, there are some exceptions to attending mediation, such as where there is evidence of domestic abuse. The mediator will inform you if your case is ineligible for mediation.

2. Parenting plan

If you and your ex-partner can come to an agreement, then a solicitor can help you to formalise this into a parenting plan. This written agreement will set out when contact will take place, so it is clear to both parents. Obtaining legal advice can help you to consider your position and whether an agreement can be reached on any issues. With the help of legal professionals, many parents are able to resolve any dispute amicably. If an agreement is reached, a solicitor can assist in formalising your agreement with the court by drawing up a document referred to as a consent order to send to the court to consider and approves to make your agreement legally binding and enforceable through the court. We will be happy to explain the process to you in a consultation.

3. Child Arrangements Order

If there remain areas of dispute between parents, then a solicitor can assist in commencing proceedings in a family court. A judge will be able to assess the position of both parents to determine an outcome which is in the children’s best interests. Court proceedings are a last resort, and we hope that we can assist you in coming to an agreement outside of the court process. Achieving an outcome outside of court not only helps parents to co-parent more positively in the future, but it also saves time and money.

Do I need to start thinking about contact in the half term and Christmas break now?

Planning contact arrangements in advance helps to ensure that parents and children have clarity and certainty about when they will be spending time together.
It is important that parents seek legal advice to ensure that they are entering into a fair and equitable agreement. Seeking legal advice sooner rather than later can also help to expedite matters so that contact arrangements can be agreed before the October and December school breaks.

Important considerations

If your ex-partner is planning on taking your child abroad during the October half term or Christmas holiday and you have concerns about your child not returning, then you can read our article on this issue below.
Holiday dilemma for separated parents with children | Hopkin Murray Beskine solicitors London

We can help

If you need advice regarding contact arrangements for your children, then our team of specialist family practitioners can assist you. Please contact us via email Familyprivate@hmbsolicitors.co.uk

Melissa Jarvis
Paralegal