Tag Archive: South Devon Solicitors

1. Taking Children Abroad: Key Family Law Considerations for Parents

   April 1, 2026 1:57 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Taking Children Abroad: Key Family Law Considerations for Parents

   Are you looking forward to a holiday and planning to take your child or children abroad?

   If so, this article may be of interest to you—particularly if you are separated or divorced.

   For many parents, taking a child abroad, even for a short holiday, can raise important legal issues. Misunderstandings or failure to obtain the proper consent can lead to serious consequences, including allegations of child abduction. This guide sets out the key points every parent should understand before travelling abroad with a child.

   Do You Need Consent to Take a Child Abroad?

   In most cases, yes.

   Where more than one person has parental responsibility, you must obtain the consent of everyone with parental responsibility before taking a child out of the UK, even for a holiday.

   Parental responsibility may include:

   • Mothers (automatically)
   • Fathers (if married to the mother at the time of birth, or named on the birth certificate, depending on timing)
   • Anyone with parental responsibility through:
     • A court order
     • A parental responsibility agreement
   • In some cases, the local authority

   Exception: Child Arrangements Orders

   If you have a Child Arrangements Order stating that the child “lives with” you, you may take the child abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent’s consent, unless the order says otherwise.

   Even where consent is not legally required, it is still good practice to:

   • Inform the other parent in advance
   • Provide travel dates and destination details
   • Share accommodation details
   • Where appropriate, agree reasonable contact arrangements while the child is away

   What Happens If Consent Is Not Obtained?

   Taking a child abroad without the required consent may amount to:

   • Child abduction under the Child Abduction Act 1984
   • A breach of court orders, where an order is in place

   This applies even if:

   • You are the child’s primary carer
   • The trip is temporary, such as a holiday

   The consequences can be both civil and criminal and may also have a significant impact on future court proceedings.

   What If the Other Parent Refuses Consent?

   If consent is unreasonably refused or cannot be obtained, you must apply to the court for permission before travelling.

   This is usually done by applying for a Specific Issue Order, asking the court to allow the trip.

   When deciding the application, the court will consider:

   • The purpose and duration of the trip
   • The child’s welfare
   • Any risk of the child not being returned
   • How contact with the other parent will be maintained

   Genuine holidays are rarely refused, provided there is no real risk of non-return.

   Practical Steps Before Travelling

   

   To avoid disputes or complications, consider the following steps:

   1. Obtain Written Consent

   A signed letter from the other parent confirming:

   • Their agreement to the trip
   • The travel dates
   • The destination

   2. Carry Supporting Documents

   You may be asked to produce evidence while travelling. Useful documents include:

   • The child’s birth certificate
   • The consent letter
   • A copy of any relevant court order

   3. Share Full Travel Details

   Provide the other parent with:

   • Flight details
   • Accommodation information
   • Emergency contact details

   4. Check Destination Requirements

   Some countries have strict entry requirements for children travelling with one parent. It is essential to check and comply with any applicable rules for your destination.

   When Should You Seek Legal Advice?

   You should seek legal advice if:

   • The other parent refuses consent
   • There is a history of conflict or court proceedings
   • You are concerned the other parent may not return the child
   • You are planning a longer stay or permanent relocation

   Early legal advice can prevent disputes and help ensure your plans proceed lawfully.

   Conclusion

   Taking a child abroad is usually straightforward where parents cooperate. However, the legal requirements are strict, and failing to follow them can have serious consequences. Obtaining consent, communicating clearly, and understanding your legal position are essential for a smooth and stress-free holiday.

   If you are unsure, our Family team can provide clear advice and, where necessary, assist you in ensuring your holiday plans run smoothly and within the law. You can contact our team, here.

   Jessica Burgess

   FCILEx – Family Team

2. Easter Weekend Opening Hours

   March 30, 2026 3:38 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Easter Opening Hours
   Please note that our offices will be closed for the Easter weekend.
   We will reopen and resume normal operations on Tuesday 7th April 2026.
   Thank you for your understanding.

3. Devon FA – Easter Egg Appeal

   February 25, 2026 2:33 pm Leave a Comment

   

   We’re Proud to Support the Devon FA Easter Egg Appeal 🐣

   We’re delighted to announce that our office is an official drop‑off point for this year’s Devon FA Easter Egg Appeal, supporting children and families across Devon.

   As a year‑round sponsor of Devon FA, we’re especially pleased to support this initiative and help extend their fantastic community work beyond the pitch.

   Following the success of their Christmas Toy Appeal, Devon FA have launched an Easter initiative aimed at ensuring local children receive something special this spring. Throughout February and March, they’re collecting new, unopened Easter eggs to distribute to three fantastic community organisations:

   • Care for Kids North Devon
   • THAT Foodbank
   • Exeter City Community Trust

   These organisations work closely with families who may be facing challenges, and a small gesture—like an Easter egg—can make a meaningful difference.

   How You Can Help

   If you’d like to take part, simply drop off a new, unopened Easter egg at our office during opening hours. All donations will be passed on to Devon FA, who will distribute them directly to the partner charities in time for Easter.

   Learn More

   For full details about the appeal, visit Devon FA’s page here.

   Thank you to everyone who chooses to get involved. Your generosity will help brighten Easter for children across our local communities. 💛

4. Monday 19th January – Office closed

   January 13, 2026 10:40 am Leave a Comment

   Office Closure Notice – Staff Training Day
   Please be advised that the office will be closed on Monday 19th January to allow all staff to participate in a scheduled training session. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to professional development and service excellence.

   Normal business operations will resume on Tuesday. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

   

5. 3rd Place in Rowcroft’s Accumulator Challenge!

   November 7, 2025 11:04 am Leave a Comment

   

   TeamSR Secures 3rd Place in Rowcroft’s Accumulator Challenge

   This summer, our team took part in Rowcroft Hospice’s Accumulator Challenge — a fundraising initiative with a creative twist. Each participating organisation was given £50 and tasked with turning it into as much as possible, all in support of Rowcroft’s vital work in the community.

   We embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and imagination. From toy sales and dress-down days to a virtual horse racing evening, a clothing rack, and even a firm tuck shop, our team found inventive ways to keep the donations flowing. The result? A fantastic £3,340.00 raised for Rowcroft Hospice.

   What made the challenge even more rewarding was the friendly competition with other brilliant local companies. We’re proud to share that our efforts earned us third place overall — a testament to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved.

   The final celebration took place at Twenty1 in Torquay, where teams gathered to reflect on their fundraising journeys. The evening was warm and welcoming, with delicious food (those charcuterie boards were a highlight!) and great company. Scott Richard’s Linda Rogers, Jazmine Montier, Mark Deakin, and Hayden Lusty were delighted to accept our certificate from Rowcroft’s Lisa Whittaker.

   We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts, and to Rowcroft Hospice for the incredible work they continue to do across South Devon. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful initiative.

   

6. Solicitor Apprenticeships – Jazmine & Lily

   September 22, 2025 8:28 am Leave a Comment

   We are delighted to announce the commencement of Solicitor Apprenticeships for Jazmine Montier and Lily Thorp, beginning this Monday 22nd September.

   Jazmine will be starting her apprenticeship in our Commercial Property department, while Lily will begin her first seat in Family Law.

   We extend our warmest congratulations to both on this significant milestone in their legal careers. It is a privilege to support their development, and we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and achievements within the firm.

   

7. Office Closure – Fri 5th Sept

   September 1, 2025 10:32 am Leave a Comment

   Notice of Early Office Closure – Friday 5th September

   Please be advised that our offices will be closing at 1.00pm on Friday for a scheduled staff event.

   Normal business hours will resume on Monday morning, and we appreciate your understanding as we take this time to recognise and celebrate our team.

   Thank you for your continued support.

   

8. We’re Hiring! Residential Conveyancer

   August 29, 2025 1:29 pm Leave a Comment

   

   🌟 We’re Hiring: Residential Conveyancer (4 Days a Week) 🌟

   Looking for a role where your expertise is valued, your clients matter to you, and you still have time for life outside the office?

   We are a small but ambitious and growing firm, and we are searching for a skilled Residential Conveyancer to join our team.  With us, you will play a key role in shaping our future and delivering excellent service to our clients.

   What we offer:

   • A genuine four-day working week – giving you balance without compromising your career.
   • A supportive, close-knit team that values collaboration and celebrates success.
   • Excellent support staff.
   • Competitive pay and benefits, recognising your skills and contribution.
   • The opportunity to grow with the firm as we continue to expand.
   • A professional environment where client care, quality, and compliance are at the heart of everything we do.
   • And if you are relocating to Devon? You’ll enjoy a lifestyle that blends career satisfaction with fresh air, coastlines, and countryside right on your doorstep.

   What we are looking for:

   • Experience managing a full residential conveyancing caseload from instruction to completion.
   • Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail – you know how important precision is in this work.
   • A client-focused approach with clear, friendly communication.
   • A proactive team player who enjoys contributing to a positive, forward-thinking culture.

   If you are ready to combine professional excellence with a healthier work-life balance, (and maybe a new start in beautiful Devon), we would love to hear from you.

   📩 How to Apply

   Please forward your CV and a short cover note to lm@scottrichards.co.uk telling us why this role feels like the right next step for you or give Lindsey or Hayley a call to discuss further.

9. August Bank Holiday – Closure Notice

   August 19, 2025 2:02 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Please note that our offices will be closed for the bank holiday weekend, from Friday 22nd August at 5.00pm, until 9.00am on Tuesday morning.

   We appreciate your understanding and wish you a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend!

   If you have any urgent inquiries during this time, please feel free to email us, or leave a voicemail and we will respond as soon as possible upon our return.

10. Charity Sale – Rowcroft – £396.55 raised!

    1:57 pm Leave a Comment

    Thank You!

    A big thank you to our wonderful TeamSR who donated, baked, and helped run our fundraising stall today — and to the amazing local community who came along to purchase cakes, toys, homemade lemonade, and books in support of Rowcroft Hospice.

    

    Together, we raised £396.55, which takes us another step closer to our final fundraising goal as part of Rowcroft’s Accumulator Challenge.

    Every penny makes a difference, and we’re so grateful for your support.

    #RowcroftHospice#AccumulatorChallenge#CommunitySupport#ThankYou#TeamSR#SupportLocalRowcroft Hospice