When relationships breakdown, it can lead to extremely stressful circumstances. Especially when there is a child involved. In this case, we acted for a client who wanted a dissolution of a civil partnership. Our job was to make this happen as quickly as possible, in the most amicable way.

During the relationship, the couple had a child together. Our client’s civil partner was the child’s biological mother, and the client was the non-biological parent. However, both parties had played a large role in the upbringing of the child.

The relationship between the parties was extremely acrimonious – the couple couldn’t agree who was at fault and both had filed for dissolution. The care of the child and finances were interlinked. The couple couldn’t decide how to split family finances, who the child was going to live with or how much time each parent would spend with the child.

Challenging our client’s role as a parent

Our client’s role as a non-biological parent was being undervalued. The biological mother argued she should be the child’s main carer and wanted to limit our client’s time with the child. But our client sought to share the care of the child.

To add to the situation, there were also safeguarding allegations made both ways. As a result, an independent social worker was instructed – and we challenged the outcome of the report on behalf of our client.

A fair settlement

The hearing ended well, and our client can continue to play an important role in her child’s life. We secured a fair settlement allowing both parties to spend time with the child and have a place to live. Not only is this outcome fair but will give the child stability moving forward.

Ultimately, despite the early court involvement, there was a willingness by both parents to mediate matters that subsequently arose. This allowed the parents to discuss matters directly and make informed and mutual decisions for their daughter. This was a favourable outcome for all – especially the child. Chris Lloyd-Smith, Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) partner, says,