Take a look at our frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries, please contact us.
Ask a family member or a mutual friend to express your intention to your ex-partner that you would like to organise a parental agreement that confirms your parental arrangements and responsibilities.
Identify the area(s) of contention, discuss the difference(s) of opinion, be flexible and allow room to negotiate until an agreement can be reached.
Being difficult is not in the best interests of your child, and your ex-partner may need reminding that your child comes first in every aspect. However, if your ex-partner still refuses to engage in discussing the parental agreement provisions for no good reason, a parental agreement reminder (PAR) will be sent to your ex-partner.
If you do instruct solicitors or issue court proceedings as a litigant in person, as a last resort, a PAR together with your parental agreement will assist you as evidence in support of your application to the court. Further, the court will have regard in all the circumstances of the case including the conduct of all Parties before and during the proceedings - which means, any court costs you incurred in light of your ex-partner's refusal to engage in the negotiation process of the parental agreement provisions, being uncooperative that may have otherwise been avoided, may result in a costs award being ordered against your ex-partner and possibly other sanctions as well. So, in the end, it does not pay to be difficult.
Identify the area(s) of contention, discuss the difference(s) of opinion, be flexible and allow room to negotiate until an agreement can be reached. An amended Parenting Plan will then be issued for both parties to sign.
Refer your ex-partner to the relevant provision within the parental agreement, and remind them of their obligation to ensure the best interests of the child remains the paramount consideration.
Having referred your ex-partner to the relevant provision within the parental agreement, to no avail, we can provide you with information on the next steps which may include instructing a family lawyer.
Please note, however, if you are considering making an application to the court for a Child Arrangement Order (which replaces Residence Orders and Contact Orders), you are required to attend a family mediation information assessment meeting (MIAM) under section 10(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014 before you submit your application to the court. Exceptions to this requirement include being a victim of domestic violence.
A mediation specialist will try to resolve any disputes and, in any event, issue a certificate to confirm your attempt at mediation regardless of the outcome. Both parents are expected to attend a MIAM, the cost of which is shared and is on average £140 an hour depending on the circumstances and the complexities of your parental dispute.
An unreasonable refusal to engage in a MIAM by a parent may also attract costs sanctions or other penalties during or at the outcome of a subsequent trial. It is another reason why a parental agreement is an effective alternative to managing the welfare of your child before the costs of issuing court proceedings start to mount up.
All prices are inclusive of VAT.
A Standard Parental Agreement consists of up to 20 clauses (sometimes a few more) tailored to the needs of the child in line with general parental responsibilities.
A Comprehensive Parental Agreement consists of up to 35 clauses (sometimes a few more) covering a wide range of child management provisions tailored to the needs of the child in line with specific parental responsibilities.
Up to three amendments in any one parental agreement free for the first month after the issue date.
Protect your property, finance and other assets whilst living together and how joint assets will be divided in the event of a relationship breakdown.
Prevent an abuser using or threatening to use violence on you or your child.
Remove and exclude an abuser from your home.
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Parenting Plan Ltd
Kemp House, 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
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