{"id":21158,"date":"2026-01-22T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/?p=21158"},"modified":"2026-01-19T09:40:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T09:40:38","slug":"family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/","title":{"rendered":"Ano novo, novo come\u00e7o: Conselhos de Direito da Fam\u00edlia sobre Separa\u00e7\u00e3o, Parentalidade e Arranjos de Crian\u00e7as"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Law Considerations when Families Face Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The New Year is often associated with fresh starts, reflection and resolutions. In family law, it is also a time when practitioners, who provide family law advice, consistently see an increase in enquiries. This is as families seek clarity, stability and a way forward that works for everyone involved, especially the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Christmas and New Year period can place additional strain on relationships. Changes to routine, financial pressures, time spent together and different or heightened expectations can bring underlying issues to the surface. For some families, this results in conversations about separation, parenting arrangements or the need for professional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to remember that seeking legal advice does not mean committing to a particular course of action. Early advice can help individuals understand their options, responsibilities and the potential impact of decisions, before matters escalate or positions become entrenched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover rounded-xl\" style=\"min-height:100px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-20752 size-full\" alt=\"Who Pays for University Fees Following Separation and Divorce? - Picture of divorced parents calculating finances.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/University-fees-feature-image.webp\" style=\"object-position:50% 54%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 54%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/University-fees-feature-image.webp 720w, https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/University-fees-feature-image-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-dark-background-color has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-a209ae40 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quem paga as propinas da universidade ap\u00f3s a separa\u00e7\u00e3o e o div\u00f3rcio?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Schooling and education can often cause tensions between parties as parents can be in dispute about whose responsibility this should be. One common question is who should pay for their child\u2019s University fees following separation and divorce. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/news\/2025\/08\/university-fees-after-divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-color\">this article<\/mark><\/a> we explain how together we can navigate this often challenging time. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/news\/2025\/08\/university-fees-after-divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Ler mais...<\/mark><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prioritising children during times of change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In family law, the welfare of the child is always the paramount consideration. Periods of uncertainty or transition can be unsettling for children, particularly where they are aware of conflict or instability between the adults around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the start of a new year, parents may be reflecting on whether existing child arrangements continue to meet their child\u2019s needs, how decisions are made, and how communication can be improved to minimise conflict. Accessing early guidance at this stage can help parents avoid reactive decisions made under pressure and instead focus on long term stability for their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/our-expertise\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">find out more about our divorce and separation services<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The value of early legal advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common misconceptions is that legal advice is only necessary once a situation has reached crisis point. In practice, early advice can be particularly valuable at the beginning of the year, when families are reflecting and planning ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking to a family law solicitor at an early stage can assist with exploring options for child arrangements, understanding parental responsibility, and facilitating constructive discussions around decision making. This proactive approach often helps families resolve issues more effectively and with the children\u2019s welfare firmly at the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Family law is not about who\u2019s to blame. It is about helping families navigate change with care and an ongoing focus on children\u2019s welfare. At this time of year, taking considered steps rather than rushed decisions, can make a significant difference to outcomes for families in the months and years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the New Year has prompted questions or concerns about parenting arrangements, separation, or next steps, our family law specialists are here to provide clear, practical advice and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get in touch with our Family Law Solicitors in London and Brighton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Em <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goodman Ray<\/a>, our specialist family law solicitors support parents and families facing change, uncertainty or new challenges at the start of a new year. We provide clear, practical advice on separation, child arrangements, parental responsibility and decision-making, always with a strong focus on children\u2019s welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are considering your options, reviewing existing arrangements or seeking early guidance before matters escalate, our team is here to help you understand your legal position and take thoughtful, informed next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Law Advice FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block accordion\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1753782456054\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I seek family law advice after Christmas or the New Year?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can seek family law advice at any stage, including when you are simply considering your options. The New Year is a common time for parents to reflect on separation, parenting arrangements or ongoing difficulties. Early legal advice can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, avoid conflict escalating, and keep children\u2019s welfare at the centre of any decisions.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1753782492593\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How are child arrangements decided if parents cannot agree?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If parents cannot agree on child arrangements, the court will decide based on what is in the child\u2019s best interests. The welfare of the child is the court\u2019s paramount consideration. The court will consider factors such as the child\u2019s needs, routine, relationships and any risk of harm, rather than focusing on blame between parents.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1753782508321\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is Cafcass and what role do they play in family law cases?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cafcass.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cafcass<\/a> (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent body that represents the interests of children in family court proceedings. Cafcass officers may speak to parents and children, carry out safeguarding checks, and provide recommendations to the court about what arrangements they believe are in the child\u2019s best interests. Their role is to help the court make informed decisions focused on the child\u2019s welfare.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns rounded-xl has-dark-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xxl-font-size wp-elements-192baecb4ff91bfc382a4f210a03b250\"><strong>Contacte-nos hoje<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e4d075fd4cbd7f18d3a006665c6a16ed\">Se tiver alguma d\u00favida ou desejar obter aconselhamento jur\u00eddico sobre qualquer um dos t\u00f3picos acima referidos, n\u00e3o hesite em contactar-nos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-secondary-light-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xxl-font-size wp-elements-2f6da6324cb069b41ae71489b55c6af9\">Ligue-nos para <strong>020 7608 1227<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"mailto:novletlevy@goodmanray.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EMAIL NOVLET NOW<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"430\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/solicitors-Novlet-Levy.webp\" alt=\"Solicitors Novlet Levy\" class=\"wp-image-19074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/solicitors-Novlet-Levy.webp 430w, https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/solicitors-Novlet-Levy-215x300.png 215w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 430px) 100vw, 430px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>O Ano Novo traz frequentemente reflex\u00e3o e mudan\u00e7a para as fam\u00edlias. O aumento das press\u00f5es durante o per\u00edodo festivo pode levar a quest\u00f5es sobre a separa\u00e7\u00e3o, a regula\u00e7\u00e3o da parentalidade ou o bem-estar das crian\u00e7as. O aconselhamento precoce em direito da fam\u00edlia pode ajudar os pais a compreender as suas op\u00e7\u00f5es, a dar prioridade aos melhores interesses das crian\u00e7as e a planear os pr\u00f3ximos passos pr\u00e1ticos antes que os problemas se agravem.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":21164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,26,24,22,1],"tags":[98,97,101,88,112,111],"class_list":["post-21158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-children","category-domestic-violence","category-family-law","category-international-law","category-latest-news","tag-adoption","tag-children","tag-domestic-abuse","tag-family-law","tag-foreign-adoption","tag-international-adoption"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Family Law Advice on Separation, Parenting &amp; Child Arrangements<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking about separation or child arrangements this New Year? Early family law advice can help protect children and plan next steps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"pt_PT\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Family Law Advice on Separation, Parenting &amp; Child Arrangements\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Thinking about separation or child arrangements this New Year? Early family law advice can help protect children and plan next steps.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Goodman Ray Solicitors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Goodman-Ray-Solicitors-584756541693793\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-22T09:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Goodman-Ray-Solicitors-Family-Law-Advice-Divorce-Separation-Feature-Image.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rich\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@GoodmanRay1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@GoodmanRay1\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rich\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/3ab619df24517394b00af18eeb5333f0\"},\"headline\":\"New Year, New Start: Family Law Advice on Separation, Parenting &amp; Child Arrangements\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-22T09:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":865,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/Goodman-Ray-Solicitors-Family-Law-Advice-Divorce-Separation-Feature-Image.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Adoption\",\"Children\",\"Domestic Abuse\",\"Family Law\",\"Foreign Adoption\",\"International Adoption\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Children\",\"Domestic Violence\",\"Family Law News\",\"International Law\",\"Latest News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"pt-PT\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/\",\"name\":\"Family Law Advice on Separation, Parenting & Child Arrangements\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.goodmanray.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/Goodman-Ray-Solicitors-Family-Law-Advice-Divorce-Separation-Feature-Image.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-22T09:00:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"Thinking about separation or child arrangements this New Year? 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The New Year is a common time for parents to reflect on separation, parenting arrangements or ongoing difficulties. Early legal advice can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, avoid conflict escalating, and keep children\u2019s welfare at the centre of any decisions.","inLanguage":"pt-PT"},"inLanguage":"pt-PT"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/#faq-question-1753782492593","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/#faq-question-1753782492593","name":"How are child arrangements decided if parents cannot agree?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If parents cannot agree on child arrangements, the court will decide based on what is in the child\u2019s best interests. The welfare of the child is the court\u2019s paramount consideration. The court will consider factors such as the child\u2019s needs, routine, relationships and any risk of harm, rather than focusing on blame between parents.","inLanguage":"pt-PT"},"inLanguage":"pt-PT"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/#faq-question-1753782508321","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/news\/2026\/01\/family-law-advice-child-arrangements-separation\/#faq-question-1753782508321","name":"What is Cafcass and what role do they play in family law cases?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cafcass.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cafcass<\/a> (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent body that represents the interests of children in family court proceedings. Cafcass officers may speak to parents and children, carry out safeguarding checks, and provide recommendations to the court about what arrangements they believe are in the child\u2019s best interests. Their role is to help the court make informed decisions focused on the child\u2019s welfare.","inLanguage":"pt-PT"},"inLanguage":"pt-PT"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21158"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21167,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21158\/revisions\/21167"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}