Children Matters

Children matters, also known as Children Act proceedings, involve disputes about the living arrangements and contact arrangements for children. These cases are often highly sensitive and emotionally charged, and the court’s primary concern is the child’s welfare.

Our specialist family law barristers have extensive experience in Children Act proceedings and can advise and represent clients at all stages of the process.

Areas of Expertise

We regularly assist with a wide range of children-related disputes, including:

• Child Arrangements Orders: these orders determine who a child should live with, and/or who a child should spend time with. For more detail on this, see our related article: Child custody and child arrangement mistakes you must avoid in court
• Domestic Abuse Allegations: these allegations can significantly affect contact decisions and the court’s assessment of risk
• Parental Alienation: this occurs where one parent’s behaviour causes a child to resist or reject contact with the other parent without a justified reason
• Specific Issue Orders: these orders address specific decisions about a child’s life, such as schooling, relocation, holidays, medical treatment, and religion
• Prohibited Steps Orders: these orders prevent a parent from taking particular actions, such as removing the child from the care of the other parent, or removing the child from the UK

Where Family and Immigration Law Overlap

Our barristers also have experience in immigration law, which is valuable where family and immigration issues intersect. For example, we can support parents seeking leave to remain in the UK based on their child’s residence and welfare.

How We Can Help

If you are considering or involved in Children Act proceedings, we can provide full or targeted support depending on your needs, including:

Strategic Advice

• Advice on the strength of your case
• Guidance on likely outcomes and risk factors
• Support with negotiation and settlement strategy

Drafting Court Documentation

• Position statements
• Witness statements
• Evidence bundles and supporting documents

Family Court Representation

Our barristers can represent clients at all stages of the Children Act process, including:

• FHDRA (First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment)
• Fact-Finding hearing
• DRA (Dispute Resolution Appointment)
• Final hearing

Why Instruct Demstone Chambers

• Specialist family law barristers with extensive experience in Children Act proceedings
• Direct access – no solicitor needed
• Flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends
• Virtual meetings where needed
• Clear and realistic advice on likely outcomes
• Cost-effective and tailored support

We work on direct access. This means you can instruct our barristers directly without going through a solicitor. This can save time and reduce costs, while still giving you access to specialist support. Find out more about our direct access offering here.

We represent clients in London, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, and across the UK.

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