Fulford Legal Services

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Fulford Legal Services

Fulford Legal Services is your specialist family law solicitor based in York.

We are committed to getting the best results for you with exceptional client service and straight-forward, pragmatic advice. Fulford Legal Services specialise in family law; advising clients on the broad spectrum of legal issues arising from relationship breakdown including divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, separation, children arrangements, cohabitation, and domestic violence. Andrew Sm

ith (Partner), has particular interest in the financial aspects of divorce, and also advises on complex issues such as pre-nuptial agreements, and property ownership disputes between non-married couples. We are a member of North and West Yorkshire Resolution, a group of family law solicitors with a focus on facilitating non-contentious family law agreements.

04/06/2026

The school holiday arrangements that still work five years after separation have three things in common:

📅 Specific timeframes for notice Not "reasonable notice" but actual numbers. "Six weeks' notice for holidays during school breaks."

🗓️ Clear split of holiday time Not "we'll share them fairly" but "Week 1 and 2 with Dad, Week 3 and 4 with Mum" or "Even years I get Christmas, odd years you do."

🎂 What happens with special occasions Birthdays, religious holidays, family events. Agreed in advance, not negotiated every time.

That's not rigidity. That's clarity. And clarity is what lets you be genuinely flexible when circumstances actually change.

If you're recognizing patterns in your current arrangements that aren't working - or realizing you don't actually have arrangements, just assumptions - now's the time to address it.

Before the next school holiday turns good intentions into conflict.

Read the full article about what makes holiday arrangements work:

https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/school-holiday-arrangements-separated-parents/

03/06/2026

The word that causes the most problems between separated parents isn't "no".

It's "probably".

"You'll probably have them the first week." "I'm probably taking them to my sister's."

Probably isn't an arrangement. It's a placeholder that lets both of you believe you've communicated clearly when you've actually communicated nothing binding.

After 20 years working in family law, I've seen this pattern repeat every summer - arrangements that sounded clear in February become impossible in July.

The difference between flexible and vague? Flexible means you've agreed the framework clearly, then adapt within it. Vague means you're both improvising and hoping the other person's version of reasonable matches yours.

The parents with the least conflict aren't the most flexible. They're the most specific.

I've explained what actually works long-term, the three gaps that trigger disputes, and what courts look for in holiday arrangements (even if you never go near a courtroom).

Full article here: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/school-holiday-arrangements-separated-parents/

02/06/2026

You mentioned taking the children to your parents during the summer holidays. Twice in passing. Once in a text.

You thought that was clear communication.

Your ex has just announced they've booked a week away for the same dates.

Now you're facing six weeks of scrambled arrangements and children caught between two versions of what was agreed.

This pattern is so common in family law that I can tell you exactly when it happens: two to three weeks before the school holidays start.

The problem isn't that one parent is being unreasonable. It's that "we'll be flexible" means different things to different people - and nobody tests that until something goes wrong.

I've written about why school holiday arrangements fall apart, what actually triggers the disputes, and the framework that still works five years after separation.

Read the full article: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/school-holiday-arrangements-separated-parents/

📧[email protected]
☎️01904 862176

15/05/2026

Planning your child arrangements court case this weekend?

Start by understanding what the judge will actually be looking at.

📋 The 7-factor welfare checklist includes:

• Your child's wishes and feelings
• Their physical, emotional and educational needs
• The effect of any change in circumstances
• Their age, background and characteristics
• Any harm suffered or risk of harm
• How capable each parent is of meeting their needs
• The full range of court powers available

But here's what catches most parents out: the court operates under a 'no order presumption'. They won't make an order unless doing so would actively benefit your child MORE than leaving things as they are.

We've just published a complete guide to how courts approach child welfare in arrangements cases - and crucially, when attempting to navigate proceedings without legal support may not serve your child's best interests.

Worth a read before Monday morning: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/child-welfare-child-arrangements-orders/

Have questions about your specific situation? We are here to help.

Call 01904 862176 or email [email protected]

"

14/05/2026

"Representing yourself in a child arrangements case? Here's what many parents don't realise.

The court won't make decisions based on: ❌ What seems 'fair' between adults ❌ Equal division of time ❌ Which parent has been more reasonable

They make decisions based on a specific legal framework - the seven-factor welfare checklist under the Children Act 1989.

The difference between representing yourself and working with an experienced family solicitor often comes down to knowing how to frame your situation through this checklist in a way the court can actually assess.

Knowing which evidence matters and which doesn't.

Understanding when to push for an order and when informal arrangements serve your child better.

With nearly 20 years dedicated to family law, I've guided countless parents through this process - helping them understand what the court will look at and how to present their case effectively.

Our latest blog breaks down all seven welfare factors and explains when you need expert support.

Read the guide: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/child-welfare-child-arrangements-orders/

Or if you're facing a child arrangements application and need advice, call us on 01904 862176.

"

13/05/2026

"Your child's settled in their school. Their friends are local. Their sports club meets every Saturday.

Now your ex is applying for a child arrangements order that would mean moving them to a different area.

What will the court consider?

One of the seven factors on the welfare checklist is 'the likely effect of any change in circumstances' - and this is where practical details really matter.

Judges weigh disruption against benefit. School continuity. Friendship groups. Established routines. The impact on a child's sense of security.

But they also consider whether change might actually protect a child from harm, or better meet their needs.

Understanding how courts approach these decisions helps you present your case effectively - or decide whether court is the right option at all.

We've written a detailed guide to the seven welfare factors every judge must consider in child arrangements cases.

Link in comments 👇

"

12/05/2026

"My teenager wants to live with me. Surely the court has to listen?"

This is one of the most common misconceptions in child arrangements cases.

Yes, the court must consider your child's wishes and feelings - but it's just one of seven factors they examine.

A 15-year-old's clearly expressed view carries weight, but the court will also ask:

-Why does the child feel this way?
-Have they been influenced by one parent?
-Would following their wishes genuinely serve their overall welfare?

Even mature teenagers don't get the final say.

The child's welfare across ALL seven factors is what matters.

Want to understand what else the court considers? Our latest blog explains the complete welfare checklist and when you need legal help to navigate it.

Read more: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/child-welfare-child-arrangements-orders/

"

11/05/2026

"What does a judge actually look at when deciding where your child should live?

It's not about what's 'fair' to parents. It's not about dividing time equally.

Every child arrangements case is filtered through a 7-factor welfare checklist that's been part of UK law since 1989 - but most parents have never heard of it.

We've just published a guide that breaks down exactly what the court considers, from your child's wishes and feelings to their educational needs and any risks they face.

Understanding this checklist before you walk into court can make all the difference to how you present your case.

Read the full guide on our website: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/child-welfare-child-arrangements-orders/

☎️ 01904 862176
📧 [email protected]

"

01/05/2026

Three situations where your child's wishes carry real weight in family court:

1. They're approaching 16 - you cannot realistically force a teenager into arrangements they fundamentally oppose

2. Their views are consistent and well-reasoned - not vague or constantly shifting

3. There are genuine safety concerns - real fear or distress that appears genuine rather than influenced

Understanding when children's voices become particularly influential helps you navigate what's ahead with realistic expectations.

Our blog this week covers how children's wishes are heard in child arrangement cases, how to support your child through the CAFCASS process, and what "best interests" actually means when the court makes its decision.

Read: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/will-my-child-be-heard-understanding-childrens-wishes-in-family-court/

30/04/2026

A 13-year-old tells the CAFCASS adviser she doesn't want to see her father because contact means leaving friends on Saturday.

From her perspective? Entirely reasonable - her social life matters enormously.

From the court's perspective? Different question entirely.

This is why the family court considers children's wishes but doesn't always follow them. The judge is balancing what your child says they want right now against their emotional needs, safety, relationships, and what will serve them best long-term.

Sometimes those things align. Sometimes they don't.

If you're preparing for a child arrangements case and concerned about how your child's wishes will be considered, our new blog provides the honest guidance you need about what to expect.

Read: https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/will-my-child-be-heard-understanding-childrens-wishes-in-family-court/

Address

Eco Business Centre, Amy Johnson Way
York
YO34AG

Website

https://fulfordlegalservices.co.uk/

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