Docklands Solicitor

When considering where children are going to live after the breakdown of a relationship, the first and most important consideration is what is best for the child or children. They are the focus and their welfare is paramount for it will be the children who will be dividing their time between two households.


Nowadays with often both parents working, a shared residence Order (SRO) may be the “the best practical” solution. However, first, the question of housing needs to be investigated: will both parents have access to suitable accommodation in which the children can reside?

A SRO does not mean that the children have to spend equal time 50/50 with each parent. It could state a 60/40 division or a 65/35 division. It means that the children would be living and sharing their time with each parent instead of living with one parent and having contact with the other.

Surely, shared residency would also eliminate the far too often view from children who feel that they have been “abandoned” by the non resident parent (NRP) who far too often are allowed contact every other weekend.

Further more and although not primarily the issue, a SRO may also bring with it the additional advantage that both parents are equal in the eyes of the law and they have equal duties and responsibilities as parents. It also conveys the message that neither parent is in “control” and that the Courts expect parents to co operate with each other for the benefit of their children.

However, one has to be realistic when dealing with where the child/children live and each and every case will depend upon on its own facts.

Parents need to consider their motives and must not get confused with “what is best for me” and remember that it is “what is best for my children.

The Childrens Act 1989 points out some of the circumstances that must be looked at when considering a SRO and the welfare of the child. They are

(a) the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child concerned (considered in the light of their age and understanding);

(b) the childs physical, emotional and educational needs;

(c) the likely effect on the child of any change in his or her circumstances;

(d) the age, sex, background and any characteristics of his/hers which the court considers relevant;

(e) any harm which he/she has suffered or is at risk of suffering;

(f) how capable each of his/her parents, and any other person in relation to whom the court considers the question to be relevant, is of meeting his/her needs;

In conclusion, SRO is no longer only made in exceptional circumstances. However, the parents need to be realistic about the children’s living arrangements for they are rarely practical.

Ideally, parents should try and co operates together, in the raising of their children: putting their children first and trying to ensure the child is unaffected by the disruption that separation/divorce brings.

Remember that each case is unique and it is important to understand all the facts.

Labels: shared residency

One of our many media clients Kelli-Leigh will be performing at the Indigo O2 on Friday 6th August 2010 from 7.30pm.  This will be Kelli-Leigh's biggest gig yet.

She will be performing at the “Glow” night for Feedme Music with Chasing Ora & Morning Lane. This is going to be a massive event.

Tickets are £11, which includes a £1 donation to Grace Children’s Village in Uganda: CLICK HERE (please include your name, address and phone number)

Check out more information on http://www.kellileigh.com/.

Labels: Indigo O2, Kelli-Leigh, media

In a recent case the courts have held that landowners could be liable in a claim for nuisance as a result of anti-social behaviour carried out, in this instance, on premises near to a flat. However, neighbours need to demonstrate that they have informed the landowner of the anti-social behaviour but, the land owner has failed to take any steps to prevent it.


For help and advice contact Selwan Yousif on 07795 821803 or email him on sy@kaslers.co.uk

Labels: anti-social behaviour, landowners, legal advice

Chris Lodge, Head of the Road Traffic Accident Department at Kaslers Solicitors LLP, has been busy creating pod casts.


To listen to the podcasts, where he discusses "Making sure everything is in place at the start of the journey" and "What you need to do at scene of an accident" click here

Labels: car accident advice

All registered companies in the United Kingdom, whether LLP’s or registered branches of foreign companies, must display on their websites and on all hard copy or electronic documents such as business letters, order forms and invoices the following information:

The company’s name (and trading name if applicable):

• Place of registration

• Company Number

• Registered Office (PO Box Numbers are not permissible)

• VAT Number

• Whether it is a member of any trade of professional body

• Contact Details

Additional information required, if applicable:

• If it is an investment company, the fact that it is an investment company must be stated;

• If the company’s share capital is referred to, the reference must be to it’s paid up share capital;

• If the company is being wound-up, the fact that it is being wound-up must be stated;

Where a website relates to overseas business, the regulations only apply to those parts of the site relating to business in the UK.

For help and advice contact us

All of the UK’s internet service providers (ISP’s) will start collecting the details of customers who unlawfully download films, music and TV programmes from early next year, in order to send them warning letters under the code of practice proposed by the media regulator Ofcom. This is implemented from the new government legislation the Digital Economy Act.

If you believe your work is being downloaded illegally please contact Luke English to discuss.

Labels: illegal downloading, legal advice

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced that it will reduce the examination time for international patent applications from 18 months to just 2 months under their new fast track process.

If you would like to patent your product or extend the protection from the UK to Europe, then contact
Luke English to book an appointment to discuss it further.

Labels: intellectual property, legal advice, patent applications