PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN BY TAKING FAMILY LAW ADVICE
Taking legal advice and speaking to a family solicitor may be the last thing on your mind with everything that is going on at the moment. Juggling home-schooling with work, maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, keeping your children entertained as they are deprived of social interaction is a keeping us frightfully busy.
We encourage our mums to consider their wellbeing at this time. If you are dealing with a family issue, speaking to a family solicitor will offer you some peace of mind and help you to understand your rights and options as a mother.
Having the knowledge and information about your child’s rights and how to protect them is a mum’s primary concern.
We interviewed Priya Gill Liaudet, a family and divorce lawyer, whose aim is to help mums to come out of their legal issue as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. She wants her clients to complete their family proceedings feeling positive about their future.
Hi Priya, tell us a bit about you and how you work?
I am a self-employed divorce and family law specialist with over 10 years’ experience. Prior to becoming self-employed, I founded a niche family law practice in west London and was the department head of two London law firms.
What sets me apart from other family solicitors is that I lead with compassion and empathy. I care about my clients and I support them during a difficult time. I want them to have a good separation or divorce and to limit the upset and animosity that is experienced when a relationship ends. I encourage my clients to reach fair financial settlements and child focussed agreements. When the other party is not on the same page and it is not possible to reach an amicable agreement, I will take a firmer approach to ensure that I obtain the best outcome for my client. Every family is different, and I will tailor my advice to suit your needs.
1. What is family law?
Family law encompasses a wide range of family issues. I deal with private family law issues which include some of the following:
- Divorce
- Divorce financial settlements
- Child arrangements orders
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Pre-nuptial agreements
- The law relating to unmarried couples
2. Can you tell us a bit more about the child arrangements order?
When you separate, the family courts expect parents to reach an agreement when it comes to the arrangements for the children. They do not want to be involved unless it is absolutely necessary or where there is a risk of harm to the child.
Sometimes, it is difficult to reach an agreement with the other parent and that’s where I can help. I will advise you with regards to the child’s living arrangements (incorrectly known as child custody), parental responsibility, the rights of the child to spend time with both parents (providing it is safe for them) and all other arrangements such as shared holidays and education. When it is impossible to negotiate an agreement, I will support you through the court process.
3. What if the child needs protection from the other parent?
If you consider it is unsafe for the child to have unsupervised contact with the other parent, you can suggest that contact take place in a supervised setting. If the other parent refuses to agree with this arrangement, they will need to issue proceedings at court for a child arrangements order. It is important to show that you are the reasonable parent, and you should take legal advice to ensure that your actions will not be criticised by the court. I will advise you and help you to set out your case for the court proceedings.
4. How much child maintenance should the father pay?
Child maintenance is paid by one parent for the child’s everyday living expenses. It is paid for children under the age of 16 or under 20 and in full time education. Child maintenance is governed by the Child Maintenance Service (‘CMS’). The amount the father or other parent pays is dependent on several factors such as the paying parent’s income and how much time the child spends with each parent. Consider using the online calculator on the Child Maintenance Service website to ascertain how much is payable to you. It is possible to reach a financial agreement regarding the children outside of the CMS particularly if the paying parent earns a gross income over £156,000.
5. What about unmarried parents?
The same rules apply for unmarried parents when dealing with the child arrangements and child maintenance. Unmarried parents are unaware that there is no law protecting them when they separate. This can have devastating consequences for the children, particularly if you are the parent without any assets in your name.
Married couples automatically have a right to claim against the other parent’s property when they divorce, enabling them to secure a home for the children. Unmarried couples do not have this right and must rely on the Children Act to make a claim for a home for the children. You should speak to a family solicitor to get further clarity on your claims and your options.
6. How much do you charge for your services?
I offer a free introductory call to Kensington mums. Just mention ‘KMums’ at the first point of contact.
7. Finally, what advice, suggestions or tips would you offer our readers?
Always take legal advice if you are concerned about your family, your children and when you are separating from your partner or spouse. Not only will it reassure you and provide you with clarity, but it will also weed out some of the myths you may have heard from other mums or friends.
Don’t be afraid. Be confident. Be empowered.  Learn about your rights and options.
Contact Priya Gill
Contact Priya GillW: www.familylawyerlondon.co.uk, E: pg@familylawyerlondon.co.uk, T: 0203 916 5585
Instagram: @PriyaGill_FamilyLawyer, Facebook: @PriyaGillFamilyLaw
Address:
Vicarage House
58 – 60 Kensington Church Street
London
W8 4DB
