Introduction

When contemplating parenthood, the law may be the last thing on your mind, but as a parent you will want to be sure of your legal position in relation to your child – knowing who can choose his or her name, register the birth and make decisions about health care and education. Each route to becoming a parent comes with its own pros and cons. It pays to consider all of the options at the outset so you can make the right choices for your family.

The law in this area is constantly evolving, not always keeping pace with social attitudes and advances in reproductive technology. One central principle is that the best interests of the child is paramount, but the legal and regulatory frameworks vary. We can identify situations which might be legally problematic and help you to comply with the law to avoid potential problems before you embark on your chosen route to having a family.

As one of the UK's leading firms specialising in children law, Goodman Ray can guide you through the legal aspects of parenting in alternative families. Our approachable and friendly team of solicitors includes members of the Association of Lawyers for Children (ALC), the British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association (LAGLA) and family law group, Resolution. Our expertise means that we can offer straightforward and affordable legal advice on new and developing areas of family law. We have trained collaborative lawyers, mediators and established links with therapists, who can offer therapeutic services to help you through the process.

Playing with lego in the Goodman Ray office

Children are always welcome in our offices

Goodman Ray can and often does work internationally on a range of cases