A child arrangements order written for a parent on Park Royal night shifts looks nothing like one written for a nine-to-five commuter, and family law solicitors in Brent draft a great many of the former. Shift patterns, agency work with no fixed rota, two jobs and homes too small for an overnight stay shape what can be agreed, and a solicitor who understands that proposes arrangements a court can approve and a family can keep.
The process begins, for most parents, with a mediation information and assessment meeting; agreements become consent orders and disagreements go to the family court serving north-west London, which decides with the help of a Cafcass report. Brent's families often have relatives in India, Kenya, Somalia, Brazil, Poland or Ireland, so holidays abroad, relocation applications and the fear of a child being taken without consent come up regularly; a prohibited steps order can be obtained urgently.
Domestic abuse work is a large part of the caseload. Non-molestation and occupation orders are available within days and attract legal aid, and because many victims in Brent are tenants rather than owners, the solicitor will often deal with the tenancy, the housing application and the injunction together. Immigration status is often part of the picture, and the rules make provision for victims of abuse. Care proceedings brought by Brent Council carry legal aid for parents without a means test, and grandparents and other relatives in the borough's extended families often become special guardians.
Unmarried couples, numerous in Wembley Park's rented towers, have few rights over each other's property or tenancy; a cohabitation agreement or declaration of trust prevents disputes later.
Fixed fees usually cover a first meeting and simple orders; contested work is hourly.
Family law firms serving Brent are listed below, verified firms first. See what family law covers, the general family law solicitors guide and, for the divorce itself, divorce solicitors in Brent; the London family law page covers the capital.
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