Legal Resources and News

We are delighted to announce that we have been listed in the Legal 500 2023 rankings for the Commercial Law and Family Law practice areas.

I would like to move away with my child. What do I need to know?

Relocation within England and Wales

If you wish to relocate within the jurisdiction (England and Wales), it is sensible to consult any others who have parental responsibility for the child. Any person who has parental responsibility has the right to be consulted on important decisions in a child’s life. 

When parents separate, it is important to ensure from the outset that a good relationship with both parents is encouraged. Sometimes parents can experience a deterioration of the relationship with their child or children post separation. Where this resistance is caused by the behaviour and attitude of the other parent, we describe this pattern as ‘parental alienation’.

People have different views about the right time to take legal advice when considering a separation. Some will come to see a solicitor before they have even told their partner of their decision. Others will wait until they simply cannot see a way forwards without the benefit of legal advice.

Adopting your partner’s children is often referred to as step parent adoption. Legally there are clear consequences of adopting in this way. It means that the person adopting takes on full parental responsibility for the child.