Children & parenting issues Archives

My Ex Had the Kids for Christmas Last Year and Won’t Let Me This Year: What Can I Do?

cmathison2024-09-27T11:22:26+00:00September 26th, 2024|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Family Law News, Separation Agreements|

The festive season is often a joyful time, especially for families. However, when parents separate, Christmas can become a source of stress and heartache, particularly when it comes to deciding where the children will spend the holidays. One common issue we hear is, “My ex had the kids for Christmas last year and won’t let me this year.” So, what can you do if you’re in this situation?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this difficult situation while keeping the best interests of your children at the […]

I’m Worried My Ex Won’t Let Me See My Children This Summer: A Guide for Concerned Parents

cmathison2024-09-20T12:49:19+00:00May 30th, 2024|Case Study Children and Parenting Issues, Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting|

As the summer holidays approach, many separated parents look forward to spending quality time with their children. However, if you’re worried that your ex might prevent you from seeing your kids this summer, you’re not alone. At Johnson Legal Family Law, we understand how distressing this situation can be. Here, we provide practical advice to help you navigate this challenging time and ensure that your rights as a parent are respected.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Both parents share equal rights and responsibilities for their child, entitling them to a meaningful contact. While there are circumstances where it may be appropriate for a […]

Are Cohabitation Agreements Legally Binding?

cmathison2024-09-20T12:59:58+00:00February 23rd, 2024|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting, Cohabitation, Finance|

Cohabitation agreements act as an insurance policy for unmarried couples living together or those who aren’t in a civil partnership, helping to clarify rights, responsibilities, and financial arrangements. A question we are often asked is whether these agreements are legally binding and whether they hold up in court.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

Before delving into their legal status, let’s revisit what cohabitation agreements entail. These agreements are written documents that outline various aspects of a couple’s living arrangements, including property rights, financial responsibilities and childcare arrangements.

Generally, a couple uses a cohabitation agreement to clarify details like:

1. Who owns what […]

What rights do Grandparents have in Scotland?

cmathison2024-09-20T13:05:52+00:00January 5th, 2024|Children & parenting issues|

Grandparents play a hugely important role in the lives of many children and they are often at the heart of the family unit.

When parents decide to separate, it comes as a surprise to many grandparents to learn that they have no automatic rights to have contact with their grandchildren.

At Johnson Legal Family Law, we can apply to the court to make contact or residence orders so that you can continue to see your grandchildren.

For a quick overview of grandparent’s rights, check out our TikTok video here

Co-Parents urged to make Christmas arrangements amid 8-week warning

cmathison2024-02-21T11:06:39+00:00October 30th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Separation Agreements|

Head of Family Law Beverley Johnson was recently interviewed about co-parenting arrangements over Christmas and her advice was featured in a number of newspapers including The The Herald, Glasgow Times Times and Dunfermline Press.

Separated parents have been urged to make their Christmas arrangements “as soon as possible” to avoid ending up in court.

Christmas is fast approaching – and with just eight weeks to go – one family law firm has urged separated parents to negotiate where their children are spending the festive season.

If co-parents cannot agree on where their children will […]

Tips for celebrating Halloween as separated parents

cmathison2024-09-20T13:09:11+00:00October 20th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting, Halloween, Separation Agreements|

If you have young children, they are likely to be excited at the prospect of dressing up, trick-or-treating, and carving pumpkins this Halloween. However, for divorced or separated parents, this might cause impending anxiety around how to celebrate the holiday.

Many separated parents focus on family-oriented holidays like Summer and Christmas. However, other holidays like Halloween can be just as important for children.

Johnson Legal Family Law has compiled some guidance around how to ensure your children enjoy October 31st with as little stress as possible.

1. Think about what your children want: Ultimately, your decisions should satisfy the best interests […]

Everything you need to know about father’s rights and responsibilities in Scotland

cmathison2024-09-20T13:10:19+00:00October 18th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting, Fathers Rights, Separation Agreements|

What are parental rights and responsibilities?

Parental rights and responsibilities allow parents to make decisions about their child’s life. This includes the child’s name, the child’s religion, where the child lives and which school the child will go to. Parental rights remain in force until the child is 16. However, the responsibility on a parent to provide guidance to a child exists until the child reaches 18.

What parental rights does a father have?

A child’s mother automatically has full parental rights and responsibilities when the child is born.

A child’s father has parental rights and responsibilities if:

He is married to the child’s […]

What happens in a family court child welfare hearing?

cmathison2024-09-20T13:11:41+00:00August 30th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting|

Key takeaways:
In any case where a decision needs to be made by the court about a child, the court is likely to fix a hearing called a Child Welfare Hearing.
We appreciate that going to court can be a daunting experience, however, please be assured that your solicitor will support you every step of the way.
No one else is entitled to be present during the hearing; however, you are welcome to bring someone to sit with […]

Edinburgh Family Law firm launches Scotland’s first Divorce and Separation digital Wellbeing hub on Mental Health Awareness Week

cmathison2024-02-21T11:24:05+00:00May 15th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Divorce, Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships, Family Law News, Separation Agreements|

Edinburgh Family Law firm Johnson Legal Family Law is giving those going through a relationship breakdown access to important wellbeing support with the launch of a new digital Divorce and Separation Wellbeing Hub.

The Divorce and Separation Wellbeing Hub is the first of its kind in Scotland and has been developed in collaboration with a number of Scottish charities including Shared Parenting Scotland, Relationships Scotland, Family Journeys and Bright Light Relationship Counselling.

The charities were all instrumental in providing resources and offering guidance in the development of the hub and the website was also reviewed by a Relationship Counsellor to ensure […]

Focus should always be on what’s best for the children at Christmas

cmathison2024-02-21T10:57:55+00:00November 14th, 2022|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Separation Agreements|

Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year for families however, it can also be a difficult time for separated parents. As Head of Family Law at Johnson Legal Family Law, I’ve been helping families with their Christmas co-parenting arrangements for over 25 years.

Communicating effectively with your ex-partner is one of the most important aspects to a smooth Christmas. One of my colleagues, Fiona Mundy, recently trained as a coach with the New Ways for Families training programme. The pilot is run by Shared […]