A child dispute is a disagreement between parents or other carers about the care and upbringing of a child. This can include issues such as where a child should live, with whom they should spend time, and who should make decisions about their welfare. Child disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or the courts.

When a marriage breaks down, it can be hardest of all on any children, especially if there is a dispute over who the child should live with and where.

In these cases, if the situation can be agreed amicably outside of Court, it is usually the best interests of the child so that they are not exposed to the emotional distress of prolonged Court proceedings. It is vital to seek legal advice if you are involved in a dispute relating to a child. The expert team of Family Law solicitors at Forbes are able to help you through the mediation process and, if necessary, through the Court proceedings with compassion and support - and always with the best interests of your child at heart.

Legal matters relating to children are governed by the Children Act 1989, where the child's welfare is imperative and this will be the guiding principle of the Court.

Before proceedings are started, both parties will be referred to a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), which the parties can attend together or separately. If the case goes to Court, you and your former spouse will need to show you have attempted mediation in order to go ahead.

The mediator will assess whether or not your case is suitable for mediation and whether there are any risks that would exempt you and your former spouse from the mediation process. Circumstances that could exempt you from the MIAM are:

• Domestic abuse

• Child protection issues

• Related proceedings issued within the prior 4 months

• Urgency

• A disability which makes the facilitation of a MIAM impossible

• Lack of contact respondents' contact details

• Imprisonment or bail conditions that do not permit the MIAM

• Non-residency in England and Wales

• The fact that a child would be a prospective party

• Lack of availability of MIAM facilities.

If the MIAM goes ahead and there is an agreement reached between the parties then the case concludes here without the need for Court attendance. If not, an application to the Court must be completed to which the Court will respond with a notice of hearing.

The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) will usually take place 5 weeks after the application to Court and it will likely be attended by a Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory Service) Officer.

The Cafcass Officer is independent of all parties in the case. They will speak with all parties (either together or separately) and, depending on their age, with the child as well as they are specifically trained in working with children. Cafcass Officers often help families resolve disputes at an early stage in proceedings.

The FHDRA gives both parties an opportunity to put their position forward and aims to help you to understand the divisive issues and to reach an agreement. If this is possible, the Court will be able to make the appropriate Order and help you and your former husband or wife to put it into effect as amicably as possible.

If an agreement cannot be reached at this stage, the Court will identify any outstanding issues, while the Cafcass Officer will recommend ways to resolve them.

The Court will also consider if any of the following is needed:

• A welfare report from a Cafcass Officer or the Local Authority

• A wishes and feelings report from a Cafcass Officer

• If there is a need for expert evidence

• If there is a need for evidence from either party

• If there is a need for a hearing to determine any disputes or allegations

• A timetable for the child so that the proceedings can be resolved as soon as it is possible.

This review of the case hopes to avoid a Final Hearing and wrap things up as quickly as possible in the interests of the child's wellbeing.

The Court will assess any evidence provided and identify any further issues and determine if and how they can be resolved. If matters cannot be resolved here, the Judge will set a timetable for evidence in preparation of a Final Hearing.