Subjects:

Family Law

Contents:

The nature of the study Setting the scene Information and support for children when parents separate and divorce Differential use of the welfare check - private ordering or judicial inquisition Giving children a voice in proceedings: welfare reports and the appointment of guardians ad litem Mediation and forensic child and family psychiatry New thinking for changing needs Pointers to the future? Appendices: Statement of arrangements for children An Chuirt Chuarda Parenting Plan

A unique comparative study examining the way English and Irish law addresses the needs of children whose parents separate and divorce, exploring the questions: - how far do the two countries family justice system listen to and take account of children's wishes and feelings when parent separate and - what are the ways and means of meeting children's needs for reliable information and support in these circumstances The views of practitioners from both countries are reported and contrasted with what is know of children's own experiences. The study considers the problems that lawyers have when thinking about and dealing with children and it raises practice and policy questions.