infonews.co.nz
INDEX
LEGAL

Bell & Co's Services Ensure Your Children Are Looked Are Taken Care Of After a Separation

Wednesday 20 December 2017, 10:05PM

By Beckie Wright

347 views

As family law experts, Bell & Co can give advice when you’re entering into a de facto relationship, marriage or civil union, or if you’re ending that relationship. They can advise you on relationship property matters, childcare issues and parenting orders, and they have expertise in dealing successfully in all these family matters.

After a separation, couples with children will need to agree on who the children will live with and all the arrangements around their daily lives. Known formerly as 'custody', the day-to-day care arrangements for your children must be agreed with your partner. If the children are old enough, their wishes and views can be taken into consideration. Usually these arrangements are agreed amicably or after some negotiation. If, however, negotiations reach an impasse, Bell & Co are experienced in drafting Parenting Orders for the Family Court, as the interests of your children are foremost in the court's mind.

If you are worried about your children's safety, whether it be physical safety or psychologically, or your former partner has moved your children to another location without your consent, this needs urgent attention. Bell & Co can guide you through an application for an urgent 'without notice' Parenting Order from the Family Court. They advise you call them immediately if this is happening to your children.

If you are comfortable with the safety of your children but you disagree with the previously agreed parenting arrangements, you can apply to the Family Court 'on notice'. This will involve you attending a Parenting through Separation course, and you will also be required to attend a Family Dispute Resolution mediation before the Family Court gets involved.

Similarly, when you have separated from your partner and you're unable to meet your financial needs and become self-supporting, you may be eligible for spousal or partner maintenance. This maintenance requires your partner to agree to financially support you for a specific period of time. If you think you may be eligible for financial support from your former partner, or believe that you may be required to pay some maintenance to him or her, Bell & Co can advise on your particular situation.

For more information on lawyers for employees, employment lawyers and employment law lawyers please go to http://www.bellandco.co .