Keelys LLP

09/03/2026

A wonderful afternoon for a great cause!

03/03/2026

Children’s Passports:-

When parents separate, practical issues involving children often become legally complicated and applying for or using a child’s passport is a common source of disagreement. Understanding how parental responsibility affects passport decisions can help avoid disputes and potential legal consequences.

What Is Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility (PR) refers to the legal rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities a parent (or certain others) has in relation to a child and the child’s property. It includes making important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, medical treatment, religion, and international travel.

A child’s mother automatically has parental responsibility at birth.

A father will usually have parental responsibility if:
• he is married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, or
• he is named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003 in England and Wales), or
• he acquires PR through agreement or court order.

Others, such as adoptive parents, guardians, or individuals granted a Child Arrangements Order specifying the child lives with them, may also hold PR.

Who Can Apply for a Child’s Passport?
A person with parental responsibility may apply for a child’s passport. However, the application process requires confirmation that everyone with parental responsibility consents to the passport being issued.

HM Passport Office expects applicants to obtain consent from all individuals with PR before submitting the application.

Providing inaccurate information or failing to disclose someone with PR can result in:
• delays or refusal of the application,
• potential legal consequences.

Do Both Parents Need to Agree?
In most cases, yes. Because obtaining a passport enables international travel, it is considered a significant decision affecting a child. Where more than one person holds PR, decisions of this nature should be made jointly.

If one parent objects, the Passport Office may:
• pause processing the application, or
• refuse to issue the passport until the dispute is resolved.

Taking a Child Abroad: Legal Rules
Having a passport does not automatically mean a parent can take a child abroad.

The legal position depends on existing court orders:
Where There Is No Child Arrangements Order

A parent must obtain the consent of everyone with parental responsibility before taking the child out of the UK, even for a holiday.

Taking a child abroad without consent may amount to child abduction under UK law.

Where a “Lives With” Child Arrangements Order Exists
A parent named in a Child Arrangements Order as the person the child lives with may take the child abroad for up to 28 days without obtaining additional consent, unless the order states otherwise.

Longer trips or relocation abroad always require consent or court permission.

What Happens If Parents Disagree?
If agreement cannot be reached, either parent may apply to the Family Court for:
• a Specific Issue Order by asking the court to decide whether a passport should be issued or travel allowed; or
• a Prohibited Steps Order preventing a passport application or preventing the child from being taken abroad.

The court’s primary consideration will always be the child’s welfare, not the parents’ preferences.

Practical Tips for Parents
• Communicate early about travel plans or passport renewals.
• Provide written consent where possible.
• Share travel details (dates, accommodation, contact information).
• Check whether any court orders affect travel rights.
• Seek legal advice before refusing consent, particularly if concerns relate to relocation risk.

If you wish to obtain more detailed and specific advice, please contact 01543 420000 and ask to speak to a member of our Family Department who will be happy to assist you.

12/02/2026

⭐️ Excellent Review for Molliee-Mae Harding at Keelys LLP! ⭐️

A client praised Molliee-Mae for her professionalism, friendliness, and clear guidance throughout their property staircasing.

👏 Fantastic work!

07/01/2026

MAKE YOUR LINE MANAGERS LEGAL

Give your managers the tools they need to be effective managers and information they need to make key decisions which they are confident in making.

After several successful training days, we are again offering in person training to all managers who hold line management responsibilities.

WHEN? Tuesday 27 January 2026, 9.45am for 10am start and finishing at 3pm. Lunch will be provided.

WHERE? Keelys offices at 28 Dam Street, Lichfield, WS13 6AA.

COST? £300 plus VAT per delegate.

WHAT WILL THE TRAINING COVER?:-

• Basic introduction on employment law rights.
• How to be an effective manager and have difficult conversations with employees.
• How to dismiss fairly.
• Understanding family friendly rights.
• Interactive session with use of case studies.

If you would like to book a place either for yourself or your managers, please email Ravinder Sandhu on [email protected] to confirm the names of the delegates and any dietary requirements. Places will be given on a first come, first served basis. If maximum capacity is reached, we will add you to our waiting list and subject to demand, hold further training days.

There was lots of positive feedback from the last training session:-

"Our managers have come back from your training really positively and said they’ve learnt a lot."
"I found the training really helpful so thank you for putting that workshop on."
"I found Ravinder’s course very helpful, and it was encouraging to network with some of your other clients and realise that none of us know all the answers!"

If you would like training to be delivered at your premises, please contact Ravinder Sandhu by email ([email protected]) or telephone (01543 420042) to discuss your requirements.
If you have any other questions regarding the above or wish to discuss your needs for employment law support, please contact Ravinder Sandhu who will be delighted to speak with you.

12/11/2025

Good Divorce Week 2025: A Better Way Through Separation (10 – 14 November 2025)

As a law firm with a dedicated Family & Divorce team, we’re pleased to support Good Divorce Week 2025 — running from 10–14 November — and use this as an opportunity to reflect on how separation and divorce can be managed in a way that, while never easy, is less destructive, more respectful and sets the foundations for the future. 

Good Divorce Week is an annual campaign led by Resolution, a UK-wide community of family justice professionals committed to constructive, solution-focused approaches to relationship breakdown. 

This year’s theme centres on the Resolution Code of Practice — the guiding principles that Resolution members pledge to follow when supporting families through separation. 

✅ Early clarity and open communication

One of the first steps is understanding what you and your former partner both want to achieve: financially, in relation to children, for the future. Lawyers can help frame options, set realistic expectations and manage risk.

✅ Prioritising children’s needs

If you have children, the way that separation is handled—how parents communicate, cooperate, avoid conflict—will influence their wellbeing long-term. The Code encourages keeping children at the heart of planning. 

✅ Exploring alternatives to court

Rather than defaulting to adversarial litigation, many couples can make use of:
• Mediation
• Collaborative law
• Negotiation between solicitors
• The “One Couple, One Lawyer” model (in certain circumstances) 

These approaches often mean quicker resolution, lower cost, more control.

✅ Managing costs, time & emotions

A “good divorce” doesn’t guarantee zero conflict, but it helps keep dispute-levels lower and avoids drawn-out court battles that can erode assets, relationships and emotional energy. 

✅ Respectful conduct

How we can help you:-

As a specialist Family & Divorce practice, we align our services with the spirit of Good Divorce Week. Here’s how we support our clients:
• Initial consultation & realistic planning: We take time to understand your objectives, your family dynamics, your financial situation, children’s needs, and help you decide on the right path.

• Clear explanation of options: Going to court is only one path. We will help you explore whether mediation, collaborative law or other non-court options are suitable.

• Focus on future-oriented outcomes: Rather than dwelling on the past, we encourage planning for the next chapter—how two households operate, how children’s arrangements work, how finances are managed post-separation.

• Control of cost & process: By agreeing strategy early, aiming to reduce dispute, avoiding unnecessary hearings, you may achieve a more efficient resolution.

• Continued support for co-parenting and beyond: Where children are involved, the relationship between former partners continues long after the divorce. We can advise on how to structure arrangements to give the children the best chance of stability.

• Adherence to the Code of Practice: Our team are members of Resolution and commit to the professional standards that Good Divorce Week ensuring that your case is handled with professionalism, respect and focus on the family’s overall wellbeing. You don’t have to see divorce as a battlefield. A more constructive approach is possible and often preferable.

• Start early: exploring options, communicating clearly, understanding finances and children’s arrangements can change the trajectory.

• Choose a lawyer who aligns with the Code of Practice values: collaboration, respectful conduct, long-term thinking.

• If you have children, their interests should be central—not an afterthought.

• Bear in mind the realities of court delay, cost and emotional strain—an alternative approach may save money, time and stress.

• While separation won’t be easy, with the right mindset and support you can move forward from your relationship in a way that serves you, your children (if any), and your future.

If you’re currently considering separation or divorce, please do reach out. We would be pleased to talk you through your options in light of this year’s theme – how to achieve a separation that aligns with your values, protects your interests and sets you up for a healthier future.

☎️ 01543 420000
📧 [email protected]
📍28 Dam Street, Lichfield WS13 6AA

04/11/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Keelys LLP!

⭐ 98% client recommendation
⭐ 4.9/5 average rating from 170+ reviews

A fantastic achievement and a true testament to their dedication to delivering outstanding legal service and results for their clients.

27/10/2025

Supporting Those Who Support Us 👮🏻‍♂️👮🏾‍♀️👨🏼‍🚒🚑
10% discount for valid Blue Light Card Holders.

We are proud to support our emergency services, NHS, social care workers and armed forces.

If you hold a valid Blue Light Card in your name - you’ll receive 10% off our legal fees.

Book your consultation today and simply show your Blue Light card at your first appointment to claim your discount.

☎️ 01543 420000
💻www.keelys.co.uk
📍28 Dam Street, Lichfield, WS13 6AA
📍Meeting room available at AED Donate, Stone

*discount applies to legal fees only and not disbursements or Court fees

08/09/2025

Shoutout to Keelys LLP! ⭐

With an impressive 4.9/5 average rating, this achievement highlights their consistent dedication to providing the best legal service and outcomes for their clients.

👏 Fantastic work!

11/08/2025

MAKE YOUR LINE MANAGERS LEGAL

Give your managers the tools they need to be effective managers and information they need to make key decisions which they are confident in making.

After several successful training days, we are again offering in person training to all managers who hold line management responsibilities.

WHEN? Tuesday 9 September 2025, 9.45am for 10am start and finishing at 3pm. Lunch will be provided.

WHERE? Keelys offices at 28 Dam Street, Lichfield, WS13 6AA.
COST? £300 plus VAT per delegate.

WHAT WILL THE TRAINING COVER?:-
• Basic introduction on employment law rights.
• How to be an effective manager and have difficult conversations with employees.
• How to dismiss fairly.
• Understanding family friendly rights.
• Interactive session with use of case studies.

With the proposed changes to employment law by Labour (which will include day one employment rights) it has never been more important to stay compliant and avoid problems in the workplace.
If you would like to book a place either for yourself or your managers, please email Ravinder Sandhu on [email protected] to confirm the names of the delegates and any dietary requirements. Places will be given on a first come, first served basis. If maximum capacity is reached, we will add you to our waiting list and subject to demand, hold further training days.

There was lots of positive feedback from the last training session:-
"Our managers have come back from your training really positively and said they’ve learnt a lot."
"I found the training really helpful so thank you for putting that workshop on."
"I found Ravinder’s course very helpful, and it was encouraging to network with some of your other clients and realise that none of us know all the answers!"

If you would like training to be delivered at your premises, please contact Ravinder Sandhu by email ([email protected]) or telephone (01543 420042) to discuss your requirements.

If you have any other questions regarding the above or wish to discuss your needs for employment law support, please contact Ravinder Sandhu who will be delighted to speak with you.

07/05/2025