Help
Protection and care of children remains as important as ever during COVID-19 outbreak
| Published: 8th April 2020 10:41 |
A BRISTOL-BASED legal practice says during these uncertain times the protection and care of children remains as important as ever (April, 2020).
As of March 24, it was confirmed by the Government that children can move between separated parents during the current coronavirus restrictions.
Family barrister, Elizabeth McCallum, who is the co-founder of the legal service Children in the Middle, along with her fellow barrister Sarah Evans, said: “During these uncertain times, it’s important to maintain your child’s routine as much as possible and the Government has said that children under 18-years-old are able to move between separated parents during the current restrictions. However, each parent needs to undertake an assessment of the risks involved. If it is not safe for the other parent to care for the children, then the court will expect alternative contact arrangements to be made.
“If you’re not able to maintain your child’s routine, then it’s important to communicate this with your co-parent. If it is not safe for you to communicate directly, then consider using a trusted third party.
“Also think creatively about how your child can stay in touch with their other parent and family members. Skype and Facetime are great ways to catch up.”
Children in the Middle is a unique legal service. It is the only practice solely specialising in offering separating or divorcing parents, wishing to make arrangements to see their children, direct access to barristers, inside and outside court, nationally in England and Wales.
In the past, a solicitor was required to instruct a barrister, but due to rule changes under the Public Access Scheme, members of the public are now able to instruct barristers direct.
Shared care is now increasingly common. In many cases it offers a better solution for both parents and children. Making shared care arrangements can sometimes be fairly straightforward, but it can also involve a number of complex issues and may require careful negotiation between parents, or even court proceedings.
Elizabeth added: “The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises parents to give their children the facts about what is happening at the moment with COVID-19. And to give clear information on how to reduce the risk of being infected. Ensuring they feel safe and reassured during a scary time.
“Keeping to a routine, as much as possible, will help your child feel safe and secure. Although schools are shut, you should stick to mealtimes and bedtimes and any other daily rituals.
“Routines with each of their parents should also be maintained, unless there are justified medical/self-isolation issues or national guidance issued associated with leaving your house.
“The COVID-19 outbreak has been a huge disruption to everybody’s lives. However, as we are a nation that keeps calm and carries on, albeit abiding by the Government’s current restrictions, we’d like to reassure anyone out there who is in the midst of separating or divorcing and receiving help regarding the care of their children, that their case will continue.
“Courts are currently operating virtually and as we have always worked remotely, we are very well placed to continue to represent or advise people.”
Children in the Middle is expert in this field with a wealth of experience in handling these complex and sensitive disputes.
Sarah, who has been a family law specialist for more than 30 years, says: “As experts in making child arrangements following divorce and separation, we’re on hand to advise both parents and to work towards a sensible resolution. No matter how challenging your circumstances, we can guide you through making care arrangements that work for you and your children. We offer creative, practical solutions to even the most difficult problems, so you and your children can move forward in a positive way.
“The particular needs of your family and the wellbeing of your child are our top priorities. Wherever possible, we will help a parent reach a voluntary agreement with the other parent over the arrangements for their child.
“But, if court action is required, as barristers, we can provide the experienced representation a parent needs for every stage of the proceedings, from initial advice, drafting an application to the court, representation at hearings and preparation of witness statements and evidence.
“However, as a parent you may just need one virtual meeting with us, so we can give you advice and guidance on the best way forward for you and your child.
Most of our work is done remotely, which means geography is not a barrier. It also means that we keep our overheads down, a benefit we can pass on to the client. What we offer is affordable, expert legal advice about your children.
“By having direct access to us, you can save money by managing your own case through handling the admin and the paperwork, while still benefitting from specialist legal advice from a barrister, who is a children’s law expert.”
Elizabeth has practiced in this area of law for more than 14 years. She initially qualified as a barrister, then transferred to become a family solicitor. More recently, she has resumed her career as a barrister.
Sarah has a wealth of experience having spent time as a family lawyer working in the USA, Scotland and London before joining Magdalen Chambers in Exeter as a barrister.
As well as assisting with court cases, Children in the Middle can offer assistance with appointments and preparing court documents to parents living anywhere in England and Wales.
“We have more than 45 years’ combined experience in the children law field and we aim to offer creative, practical solutions in even the most difficult situations.”
For further details, please call Children in The Middle on 0117 214 1797 or email office@childreninthemiddle.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.childreninthemiddle.co.uk.
Report this article as inappropriate
Comments
You need to log in before you can do that! It's only a quick registration process to join the AMA network and completely free.
Loading...
Help