The head of a local family law team has sent out a warning to separated parents who want to spend Christmas Eve with their children, saying they should act now to reach agreement or else face possible disappointment if they have to apply to the Court for a decision.
Nathan Wright, a partner with leading law firm GHP Legal which has offices in Wrexham, Oswestry, Llangollen and Chirk, said: “Deciding which parent the children spend Christmas Eve with is often tricky as, understandably, both parents want to share the excitement of Santa’s imminent visit in the night and see the look on the children’s faces when they get up on Christmas morning.
“In an ideal world separated parents would work together and put the children’s happiness first. Sadly, however, some parents are unable to reach an agreement, tempers run high and it becomes necessary to apply to the court for a child arrangements Order.
“The problem that parents face then is that before there can be a court hearing there has to be mediation. So, with at least a six week wait to get a hearing after making an application to the court, time is running out fast.
“With that in mind I would urge all parents who are unable to agree arrangements to instruct their solicitor as soon as possible and get the ball rolling, or be prepared for disappointment because they have left it too late!”
Article 11/10/2019
