Step 2: Child custody, care & control, access time, child maintenance and matrimonial assets
Both parental parties must attend the mediation and counseling sessions directed by the Court if it involves children below 21 years old. Parties with disagreements will be directed to attend the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Conference.
At Angels, we encourage parties to resolve problems revolving around the parenting plan and other matters during the above sessions. We will seek to understand your situation during our consultation and advise you on whether we think investigations are necessary.
However, if you have concerns that you may require supporting evidence for your claim e.g. welfare of the child, division of matrimonial assets, child maintenance, and alimony, etc., seek your lawyer’s advice on the validity of your grounds and/or our views on whether an investigation report/intelligence is required. In the case that you wish to proceed with investigations, Angels are happy to help.
Adultery is only a piece of evidence in supporting claims of an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and not a fool-proof claim for custody. The Court places the welfare of the child as the most important consideration and awards custody of the child according to their judgment.
In an acrimonious ancillary proceeding, every matter can be contested. Clients often come to us not understanding the definition and scope of custody, care & control, access time, child maintenance, alimony, and matrimonial assets and expect the evidence we gathered to be a trump card for their case. Unfortunately, it is often not. Therefore, we need to work with your lawyer to support your grounds with merits.
*The information provided above is general in nature and is not intended as legal advice.