Looking forward to a Christmas without family complications?

‘So here it is, Merry Christmas

Everybody’s having fun

Look to the future now

It’s only just begun’

For many people the above words are words of joy and give a feeling of excitement. However for some, these words might give rise to feelings of anxiety, fear and loneliness.

Christmas and the New Year are known to be a time when there is an increase in domestic abuse, decisions are made to end relationships and a general reflection upon one’s life.

As with many family lawyers, we see an increase in the need to make urgent court applications to address issues such as:

a. Contact with children over the Christmas and New Year period

b. Court orders to protect a parent or child against the risk of, or continuing abuse which can take many forms

In addition to the above, there are enquiries about what to do in the event one wishes to end a relationship which could have a direct impact upon children and the family financial arrangements.

If you consider there is a risk that any of the above apply, you would be best placed to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. This will allow you time to make decisions, which can be life changing, in a less pressurised fashion and if appropriate, to consider alternative processes to try and resolve the issues in have without issuing court proceedings which could be quite expensive and drawn out.

At Anthony Gold we have accredited solicitors who are experts to advise on the following:

a.  Abuse – Urgent steps that might be required to protect yourself and any dependant children from abuse, whether it is physical, emotional, psychological or financial.
This could involve an urgent application being made for a non-molestation and occupation order, together with a prohibited steps order concerning any children

b.  Child arrangements – contact over Christmas, the New Year and school holidays
This could involve an urgent application to the court for a child arrangements order and / or specific issue order

c.  Taking child abroad – A parent wanting to, or threatening to take a child abroad without the other parent’s consent

d.  Disposing of matrimonial assets – Risk of, or actual disposal of matrimonial assets

e.  Relationship breakdown and consequences – we can advise on the legal consequences and the options available which include financial settlements, child arrangements, commencing divorce proceedings

f.  Mediation – if you would prefer to resolve the difficulties relating to your separation out of court, we have an established and reputable mediation practice which includes a growing international mediation service if one or both individuals are abroad.

If you would like to speak to one of our family law experts in confidence, please feel free to telephone us on 0207 940 4000 or email me at Nazia Rashid. We are a committed team of family lawyers and are dedicated to ensure that our clients can look forward to their future.