30 September 2016
Christmas Countdown - 12 weeks to go
My notoriety at JWP Solicitors may well precede me on many levels but I am becoming infamous for my Christmas countdown and it is fair to say, to some, somewhat irritating. BAH HUMBUG... Nonetheless, all joking aside, for Family Lawyers the countdown to Christmas is a very important time. It is a time of year when all parents of young children want to spend time with them and experience the magic of the day. For couples that are separating or divorcing at this time, Christmas may seem a long way off and a rather daunting prospect that they would rather not consider or plan for.
In Court terms it is very hard, even at this stage, to obtain judicial input into who should have the children on Christmas Day, where and for how long. The procedure, where cases are not agreed, allows for a CAFCASS Report in which an Independent Officer of the Court will assist the Court in determining the issues that are not agreed. Quite often the decision as to whether children will spend Christmas Day is a highly contentious one, particularly where it will be their first Christmas in a family that is no longer still together residing in the same household.
At the time of posting this it is 86 sleeps to Christmas which equates to 12 weeks to the big day. CAFCASS Reports can take around 12 weeks to commission, prepare and file at Court. Before a CAFCASS Report can be ordered there are a number procedural steps which have to be taken and so the need to act quickly is as important as ever.
JWP Solicitors, not only have specialised Family Lawyers who can litigate cases, they also have Lawyers who are skilled in alternative dispute resolution such a Collaborative Law and Dovetail methods (see the Dovetail website).
It is often far better to resolve matters amicably and in a constructive manner and with our assistance we could help all families going through the upheaval of a separation or divorce to still enjoy the magic of Christmas Day with their young children.
As with most things it is far better to be well prepared and well planned and organised to avoid unnecessary heartache and anguish nearer to the time.
If you would like us to help you with your Christmas wish list then contact us without delay.
