A BROMSGROVE solicitor is offering couples looking to split a free initial 15-minute phone consultation during December and January.

Nesheela Nazir, a leading Bromsgrove family lawyer and matrimonial expert, has seen a rise in the number of cases where parent seeks to relocate following a divorce or separation and believes many people use the festive break to plan their divorce.

Miss Nazir, a lawyer at the firm mfg solicitors, said: “Very few will want to do it at this time of year because they won’t want to spoil things for the children. But the new year is often the chance people take for a fresh start, especially if they are looking to relocate in the UK or abroad.

“The court’s focus will always be on what is best for the children and their welfare is paramount.

“They will be looking to see whether the parents have the best interests of the children at heart too. They will want to see that the plan to relocate is based on practical, thoroughly researched proposals.”

Miss Nazir added that couples should try to come to a compromise, if possible; as divorce is bad enough and relocation can add further stress.

She also warned if the courts intervene, they would check whether the application to relocate was genuine and not motivated by ‘selfish desire’ to remove one parent from the children's lives.

Parents who have a child arrangements order can take children out of the UK for up to four weeks without the other parent's consent.

However, children cannot be taken out of the UK for over four weeks or to live permanently without the other parent's consent or a court order.

Anyone who would like a free appointment can contact Miss Nazir by emailing nesheela.nazir@mfgsolicitors.com and quoting the word ‘article’.