Where to go for help, support and advice
Before you apply to court
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Alternatives ways of resolving family disputes
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Support networks
Try to get help from your family, friends or other professional people who might be able to assist you. If you need to access professional support in your local area please consider some of the regional resources
Professional assistance
Think about whether you and your former partner might benefit from separated couple’s counselling to help you solve your dispute.
Family Mediation
You might want to approach a family mediation service to help you.
Get legal advice
You might decide to speak to a lawyer about your situation. Your lawyer can give you advice about other options to solve your dispute without going to court. This can include a collaborative working approach between lawyers or one-lawyer approach.
Arbitration
You may choose to appoint an independent arbitrator to decide the arrangements for your family.
Court application
You should only go to court if it really is the only option. If there a serious worries about the safety of you or your children, court might be the most appropriate solution.