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Juggling a Master of Laws as a Working Parent

It was 2018 and I had been assisting others with navigating the family court system for around 4 years, but I felt like such a fake. I had, of course grown to have a strong interest and commitment to supporting people through the family courts, as I was passionate about fighting for the rights of children to have a fair and meaningful relationship with both parents, but with very little to my name by way of legal qualifications, I decided that I should gain a meaningful certification. Determined to pursue my passion for law and advance my career to be able to fund a lifestyle where I could still support people for as close to free as possible, I embarked on a journey to obtain a Master of Laws degree while juggling the responsibilities of being a devoted parent and a committed professional.

Completing a rigorous academic program such as a Master of Laws degree is no small feat on its own, let alone when coupled with the demands of parenthood and professional obligations. I admit that the journey was undoubtedly challenging, but I also look back on it as being a testament to my unwavering dedication and resilience. Further assurance to myself and my clients that I am capable of delivering positive outcomes.

One of the most significant hurdles that I faced when I was studying for my masters degree was time management. With a toddler to care for and a demanding workload at my day job, every minute of my day became precious. Planning my studies meticulously became essential to ensure that I could allocate sufficient time for both my academic pursuits and my responsibilities at home and work. I completed my degree through the open university and as a result, I didn’t have to attend a physical location which fit in well with my busy schedule but on the other hand, I didn’t have the luxury of seeing a tutor in person, and I did find my tutor to be fairly absent. My assignments were usually returned late and requests for help would usually go unnoticed.

Adapting to life as a working parent meant embracing flexibility and being prepared for unexpected changes. When my workplace required me to take on additional hours due to a coworker’s departure, I didn’t falter. I could have said no and insisted that it wasn’t part of my contract, but instead, I adjusted my study schedule accordingly, maximizing every opportunity to delve into my coursework, whether it was during a lunch break, after my child had gone to bed, or during weekends. Here, getting my daughter into a good sleep routine was essential. She was usually in bed by 7pm and that gave me a couple of hours where I would sit and complete more of my work. When my dissertation was looming, I planned 2 months in advance how I would meet my word count and reference deadline. That was particularly challenging for me because at the weekends I was often having to put in around 6 hours at a time. It’s really hard for me to concentrate for that long without someone else encouraging me to keep going, so here’s where my echo dot came in really handy. Don’t laugh. I set her up to tell me the time every half hour and to tell me that I was doing a great job and to carry on. I set reminders for Alexa to tell me that it was lunch time and to go and eat something. I set reminders to let me know I was coming to the end of my study time for the day. I found this was really useful for staying on track.

Studying for a Master of Laws degree while being a working parent wasn’t just about academic achievement or even for North West McKenzie Friends for me; it was also about setting an example for my young daughter. Through my determination and perseverance, I believe I’ve instilled in my daughter the values of hard work, ambition, and the importance of never giving up on her dreams. Even now she is in primary school, she understands how hard I worked. She remembers days where I was working completing assignments. She celebrates my academic and career successes and she has a great sense of ambition, which I’d like to think she gets from me.

As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that the path I chose was demanding, but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Not only have I emerged with a deeper understanding of family law and its intricacies, but I have also discovered a newfound sense of confidence in my ability to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals, no matter how daunting they may seem.

To those considering pursuing higher education while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and work, I offers words of encouragement. The road may be challenging, but with determination, perseverance, and a solid support system, anything is possible. My academic studies only stand me in better stead to do what I love, to help separated parents to create a safe and loving environment for their children to thrive.

LGBTQ+ Legal Challenges

LGBTQ+ families can face several unique challenges that heterosexual families may not experience. Here are some of the challenges that families may face:

Legal recognition: In some countries, families may not have the same legal recognition as heterosexual families. This can make it difficult for same-sex couples to adopt children or for both parents to have legal parental rights.

Discrimination: families may face discrimination from others, which can lead to issues like harassment, social isolation, or limited access to resources.

Lack of support: Some LGBTQ+ families may not have support from extended family members or religious communities, which can make it difficult to access emotional or practical support.

Health care disparities: individuals may experience disparities in health care, including limited access to appropriate medical care or increased risk of mental health issues.

Bullying and harassment: LGBTQ+ children may be more likely to experience bullying and harassment at school or in other settings, which can impact their mental health and academic success.

Financial challenges: LGBTQ+ families may experience financial challenges, including discrimination in the workplace or limited access to financial resources.

It is important to acknowledge and address these challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society. Providing legal recognition, creating supportive communities, and addressing issues like discrimination and health care disparities can help to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ families.

Completing a C100 form

If you’re a parent or guardian in the UK who is seeking to make an application for a child arrangements order, you’ll need to fill out a C100 form. This form is used to initiate proceedings in family court and to provide the court with relevant information about the child and their circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of completing child arrangements form to file at your nearest family court. Before you do this, you will need to contact a mediator so that you can attend a MIAM. This is a mandatory part of the process.

Step 1: Obtain the form

The C100 form is available on the HM Courts & Tribunals Service website. You can download it as a PDF file, print it out, and fill it in by hand. Alternatively, you can complete the form online and then print it out.

Step 2: Provide your personal information

The first section of the C100 form asks for your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details. You’ll also need to provide the names and contact details of any other parties involved in the proceedings, such as the other parent or guardian.

Step 3: Provide information about the child

The next section of the form asks for information about the child, including their name, date of birth, and current address. You’ll also need to provide information about any other children in the household.

Step 4: Provide details of the proposed application

In this section, you’ll need to provide details of the child arrangements order you’re seeking, including who you’re seeking the order against, what you’re seeking the order for, and any other relevant details.

Step 5: Provide information about previous court proceedings

If there have been any previous court proceedings related to the child or the family, you’ll need to provide details of these in this section.

Step 6: Sign and date the form

Once you’ve completed all the relevant sections of the form, you’ll need to sign and date it to confirm that the information you’ve provided is accurate and complete.

Step 7: Submit the form to the court

You’ll need to submit the completed form to the family court that has jurisdiction over the case. You can do this in person, by post, or by email, depending on the court’s guidelines. Make sure you check the court’s guidelines and deadlines for submitting the form, as these can vary depending on the court and the type of case.

Completing a C100 form can be a complex and daunting process, but it’s an essential step in initiating proceedings for a child arrangements order. If you’re unsure about how to complete the form, or if you need advice and guidance on the legal process, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced family law solicitor who can guide you through the process and ensure that your application is handled correctly.

If you visit our YouTube Channel, you can find useful videos, including how to complete a C100 form

Financial Considerations in Divorce Law

Financial considerations are a critical aspect of divorce law, as divorce cases often involve the division of assets, the calculation of child maintenance, spousal support, and other financial matters. Here are some of the most important financial considerations:

Division of assets: One of the most significant financial considerations in family law is the division of assets, including property, investments, and retirement accounts. In many cases, these assets must be divided between the parties based on the principles of equitable distribution or community property.

Child support: Child support is an essential financial consideration in family law cases involving children. Child support is typically calculated based on the income of both parents and the needs of the children.

Spousal support: Spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, may be awarded in some cases to provide financial support to a spouse who is not financially self-sufficient. Spousal support is usually based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.

Taxes: Family law cases can have significant tax implications. For example, the transfer of assets between spouses as part of a divorce settlement can trigger tax liabilities. It is essential to consider the tax implications of any financial decisions made in a family law case.

Debt: Debt is often a significant financial consideration in family law cases. In many cases, debts accumulated during the marriage must be divided between the parties. It is crucial to consider the impact of debt on both parties’ finances and credit scores.

Overall, financial considerations are a crucial aspect of family law, and it is essential to work with an experienced lawyer to ensure that your financial interests are protected in any family law matter.

If you do not properly close your divorce proceedings and settle all financial matters, it is possible for a divorced party to make a claim on future financial assets of the other party, even if years have passed since the separation. This is why it’s so important to take financial considerations so seriously in divorce law.

Prevent Parental Alienation

Preventing parental alienation requires a proactive approach to co-parenting and a focus on the best interests of the child. Here are some steps that can be taken to prevent parental alienation:

Foster positive communication: It is important to maintain open and positive communication with your co-parent, and to work together to make decisions that are in the best interests of the child. Avoid using negative language or criticising the other parent in front of the child.

Respect the child’s relationship with both parents: Encourage the child to maintain a relationship with their other parent, and support their efforts to spend time together. Avoid blocking access or preventing contact, except in cases where it is necessary to protect the child’s welfare.

Seek help when needed: If there are ongoing conflicts or communication breakdowns, seek the help of a mediator, counsellor, or family therapist. These professionals can help to improve communication, resolve disputes, and create a plan for co-parenting that is in the best interests of the child.

Focus on the child’s needs: Keep the child’s needs and well-being at the center of all decisions and interactions. Avoid using the child as a pawn or weapon in disputes, and focus on creating a stable, loving environment for them to thrive in.

By taking a proactive approach to co-parenting and focusing on the best interests of the child, it is possible to prevent parental alienation and maintain positive relationships between both parents and the child.

Legal Remedies for Parental Alienation

Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to turn a child against the other parent, often as a way of exerting control or seeking revenge. This behaviour can be damaging to the child’s emotional and psychological well-being, and can also harm the relationship between the child and the targeted parent. In the United Kingdom, there are several Legal Remedies for Parental Alienation that can be pursued to address parental alienation concerns. These include:

Mediation: Mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes between parents and create a plan for co-parenting that is in the best interests of the child.

Court orders: In some cases, a court order may be necessary to protect the child’s welfare and ensure that they maintain a relationship with both parents. This may include a child arrangement order or a specific issue order.

Family therapy: Family therapy can be helpful in addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to the alienation, and in improving communication and relationships between family members.

Parenting classes: Some parents may benefit from attending parenting classes or counselling to learn new skills and strategies for co-parenting effectively.

It is important to seek legal advice if you believe that you or your child is experiencing parental alienation to apply any of these Legal Remedies for Parental Alienation. An experienced family law solicitor can help you to understand your options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

What Rights do Grandparents Have?

One thing that are asked quite frequently is whether grandparents can apply to the court for contact with their grandchildren. This is an understandable request, however it’s not so simple in the family court. As grandparents don’t normally hold parental responsibility for their grandchildren, the court needs grandparents to make a special application. In the United Kingdom, due to the lack of parental responsibility held by grandparents, they do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren. However, grandparents can apply for a court order under certain circumstances.

To apply for a court order, grandparents must demonstrate that they have a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren and that it is in the best interests of the child to have contact with them. The court will consider a range of factors when making a decision, including:

The nature of the relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild.
The wishes and feelings of the child, taking into account their age and level of understanding.
The impact that the contact will have on the child’s welfare, including their emotional and educational needs.
The views of the parents and any other parties involved in the case.
It is important to note that court orders for contact with grandparents are relatively rare and are usually only granted in cases where the child’s welfare would be significantly improved by the contact.

Grandparents can also seek the help of a mediator to facilitate contact with their grandchildren. Mediation can help to resolve disputes and create a plan for ongoing contact that is in the best interests of the child.

If you wish to make an application to the family court for permission to ask for a Child Arrangements Order, you will need to complete form C100 and make a request for permission to apply to the court.

If you are a grandparent seeking contact with your grandchild, it is important to seek legal advice to understand your options and the legal process involved.

Legal Protection Against Domestic Violence

In the United Kingdom, there are legal protections in place to protect individuals who are experiencing domestic violence. Some of these legal protections include:

Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs): DVPOs are emergency protective orders that can be put in place to protect victims of domestic abuse. These orders can prohibit the abuser from contacting the victim or from entering certain premises.

Non-Molestation Orders: Non-molestation orders are court orders that prohibit the abuser from using violence or threats of violence against the victim. These orders can also prohibit the abuser from contacting the victim or from entering certain premises.

Occupation Orders: Occupation orders are court orders that can require the abuser to leave a shared home, or that can restrict the abuser’s access to certain areas of the home.

Criminal law protections: Domestic violence is a criminal offence in the UK, and individuals who are convicted of domestic abuse can face imprisonment or other penalties.

Protection from Harassment Act: The Protection from Harassment Act is a law that can be used to protect victims of stalking or harassment, which can be a form of domestic abuse.

Family law protections: In family law cases, such as divorce or child custody cases, the court can take domestic abuse into account when making decisions about property division, spousal support, and child custody.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse in the UK, there are many resources available for support, including hotlines, shelters, and counselling services. It is important to seek help and support to protect yourself from further harm.

The Legal Aspects of Divorce

The legal aspects of divorce can vary depending on the circumstances of the individual case, but some of the most common legal issues that arise in a divorce include:

Grounds for divorce: In general, divorce can now be granted on the basis of fault or no-fault grounds. Fault grounds may include things like adultery, cruelty, or desertion, while no-fault grounds may include irreconcilable differences or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Property division: Property acquired during the marriage is considered marital property and subject to division between the parties. Property division may be based on principles of equitable distribution or community property. Property that was already previously owned by either spouse can also be considered marital property.

Spousal support: Spousal support, also known as maintenance, may be awarded in some cases to provide financial support to a spouse who is not financially self-sufficient. Spousal support is usually based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.

Child arrangements: When a couple with children divorces, the court will need to make a determination about child arrangements. The court will consider factors such as the child’s best interests, the parents’ ability to provide for the child’s needs, and the child’s relationship with each parent.

Child maintenance: When a couple with children divorces, the court will also need to determine child maintenance, or this may be left to the Child Maintenance Service to deal with. Child support is typically calculated based on the income of the non resident parent and there are specific calculations that are used for this to make the process as fair as possible.

Divorce decree: At the conclusion of a divorce proceeding, the court will issue a divorce decree that outlines the terms of the divorce, including property division, spousal support, child arrangements, and child maintenance.

These are some of the most common legal aspects of divorce, but divorce law can be complex, and the specific legal issues that arise will depend on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. It is important to consult with an experienced lawyer to ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the divorce process.

Considerations When Deciding on Contact Arrangements

When determining child arrangements for contact, courts make considerations on a variety of factors, with the ultimate goal of promoting the best interests of the child and promoting a good relationship with both parents. Here are some of the most common considerations that courts take into account:

The child’s age, gender, and physical and mental health
The parents’ physical and mental health
The parents’ ability to provide for the child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care
The parents’ ability to provide for the child’s emotional needs, including love, affection, and guidance
The child’s relationship with each parent and other family members, such as siblings and grandparents
The parents’ ability to cooperate with each other and make joint decisions regarding the child
The child’s preferences, if the child is old enough to express a preference and the court determines it to be appropriate
The geographic proximity of the parents’ homes and the impact on the child’s education and social life
Any history of domestic violence or abuse by either parent
Any other relevant factors that may impact the child’s well-being.

It’s important to note that the specific factors considered by courts can vary depending many factors considered throughout the court proceedings and any other circumstances of the case. Additionally, courts may give more weight to certain factors over others, depending on the specific facts of the case. Ultimately, the court’s decision will be based on what it believes is in the best interests of the child.

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