Maintenance, Custody, Access & Guardianship

Maintenance, custody and guardianship are the legal arrangements for caring for a child - covering financial support, daily care and decision-making responsibilities. 

Maintenance is financial support paid by a person for the benefit of their spouse/civil partner and/or dependent children. Maintenance can be in the form of regular payments and/or in the form of a lump sum. 

Custody describes the parent who has the primary responsibility for looking after a child.

Access involves contact between a child and the parent that they do not live with. Certain other adults, such as grandparents, may also be able to apply for access.

Guardianship is a legal relationship of responsibility between certain adults and children (usually parents and their children).

We can provide legal advice and legal aid in the areas of maintenance, custody, access and guardianship and you should contact your local Law Centre for more information. 

We Can Provide

1. Legal advice: Clear, confidential guidance  to help you understand your rights, the process and what to expect at each stage.
2. Legal representation: Professional support from our solicitors and barristers to represent you in court.

Client Testimonial

With our support, John was able to secure a divorce, including orders for his wife to pay maintenance for each of their children. Additionally, both John and his wife retained their individual pension entitlements, as agreed upon the condition that neither of them would claim against the other’s pension.

“The Legal Aid Board helped us to come to an agreement on our properties, our finances, and above all else our children’s future. Our mediator enabled us to listen to each other and provide an open line of communication.”