Support For Child Arrangement Order Applicants

EDM number 271 in 2014-15, proposed by Jim Cunningham on 16/07/2014.
Categorised under the topics of Children and families, Courts, Family law and Divorce.

That this House notes that the process of applying for and disputing child custody arrangements can be complex and that the process can be difficult for many parents; further notes that the process of applying for and disputing child arrangement orders often follows a relationship breakdown or a time of personal crisis and that this can present further difficulties for those involved; further notes that a poor understanding of the process can result in inadequate representation to the court and misinformed judgements; further notes the danger that an unsuitable person, such as an abusive ex-partner, may be granted a child arrangement order because the other parties involved do not sufficiently understand the process and do not well present the relevant information; further notes that it is important for there to be adequate support available for parents involved in such a dispute to ensure that the courts have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about the child's welfare; and calls on the Government to take steps to provide that proper support and legal advice can ensure that violent and abusive parents do not gain custody of the child.

This motion has been signed by a total of 18 MPs.