Family barrister, Elizabeth McCallum from Children in the Middle

Put children first on Mother’s Day

Reporters
Authored by Reporters
Posted Thursday, March 12, 2020 - 11:44am

MOTHERING Sunday (March 22, 2020) can be difficult for parents who don’t live with or can’t be with their children and also for youngsters who are unable to be with their parents.

For mothers, or any parent, not seeing or having contact with their offspring on any special occasion may be heart-breaking but it can have a lasting detrimental impact on children.

Family barrister, Elizabeth McCallum, who is the co-founder of the Bristol legal service Children in the Middle, along with her fellow Exeter-based barrister Sarah Evans, says: “Despite the cards, chocolates, flowers and gifts in all the shops and the images of the ‘perfect family’ portrayed on social media, it is important to remember that not everyone will be having a good Mothering Sunday.

“It can be a day of joy for families who are spending time together and making happy memories, but for some parents it may be a more difficult day if they are separated from their children.

“Mother’s Day, like Christmas Day and birthdays, is an event that reinforces the heartbreak for those apart from their loved ones, and it’s not just parents who may be suffering, it is also very important to consider the impact on the child who has an absent parent. 

“They may be feeling insecure and have issues related to their behaviour and development. Also, experiences of loss in a child’s life can affect how they deal with relationships in the future. 

“So, while it’s easy to think about how you feel as the parent, we very much advocate, even on days like Mothering Sunday, that it’s the children who should be put first when it comes to making contact arrangements if you’re parting company from your co-parent.”

Children in the Middle is a unique Bristol-based 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. 

Elizabeth continues: “After divorce or separation, you may be in a situation where you’re not seeing your child, or you might be having difficulties in making arrangements with your ex-partner over access/contact.

“Situations where a parent is having no contact with their child or children are some of the most difficult to resolve. If you’re the parent not seeing your child, it’s really important that you take expert legal advice as soon as possible. The longer it goes on, the harder it can be to reinstate your relationship with your child.

“Another scenario could be that you are seeing your children but are struggling to make the arrangements with the other parent. We can advise you on how to resolve these issues.

“You may also be unsure what your legal and parental rights are and how to go about organising arrangements for your child. We can offer expert advice to help you reach a solution that is best for the child and for you as a family.”

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.

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 meeting with us, so we can give you advice and guidance on the best way forward for you and your child.”

Children in the Middle is expert in this field with a wealth of experience in handling these complex and sensitive disputes.

Elizabeth adds: “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, please visit www.childreninthemiddle.co.uk.

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