Phone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw 

Phone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw 

Child Residence & Contact Lawyers


Child Residence & Contact Lawyers 

Decisions about where children live and how they maintain contact with both parents can be some of the most emotionally charged issues following a separation or divorce. At Ness Gallagher Solicitors, based in Lanarkshire, Scotland, we provide expert legal advice and support to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family. If you need assistance with child residence or contact arrangements, contact us today for compassionate and professional guidance. 

What Are Child Residence & Contact Arrangements? 

In Scotland, child residence refers to where a child will primarily live after their parents separate. Contact arrangements determine how and when the child will spend time with the parent they do not live with on a day-to-day basis.

The welfare of the child is always the paramount consideration in any decision regarding residence and contact. Scottish law encourages parents to reach agreements amicably, but if disputes arise, the court may step in to make decisions based on what is in the child’s best interests. 

Child Residence Orders 

If parents cannot agree on where a child should live, a court may issue a Residence Order. This legally determines:

· Who the child will live with
· Whether shared residence (living with both parents at different times) is appropriate

Our solicitors can help you negotiate residence arrangements or represent you in court if necessary. We aim to secure outcomes that prioritise your child’s wellbeing while ensuring your parental rights are respected. 

Child Contact Orders 

Contact arrangements allow children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents. If an agreement cannot be reached amicably, the court may issue a Contact Order, specifying:
· How often and when contact will occur· Whether contact will be direct (in-person) or indirect (via phone, video calls or letters)· Whether contact will be residential (overnights) or non-residential
We understand how important maintaining contact with your child is. Our family law team will work tirelessly to ensure fair and practical arrangements are put in place. 

How Are Decisions Made? 

When deciding on residence or contact, Scottish courts consider several factors, including:

· The child’s views (if they are old enough to express them)
· The child’s emotional, educational, and physical needs
· The ability of each parent to meet these needs
· Any history of abuse or neglect

Our experienced solicitors will guide you through this process, ensuring your case is presented clearly and effectively to achieve the best outcome for your child. 

Mediation for Child Residence & Contact 

Where possible, we encourage resolving disputes through mediation rather than court proceedings. Mediation provides a less stressful and more cost-effective way to reach agreements that work for everyone involved. Our accredited mediators can help facilitate discussions and find common ground between parents. 

Why Choose Ness Gallagher Solicitors? 

At Ness Gallagher Solicitors, we understand how challenging family disputes can be. Our experienced family law team offers compassionate yet practical advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or court representation, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution that prioritises your child’s welfare. 

Contact our Child Residence & Contact Solicitors 

If you need legal advice on child residence or contact arrangements, Ness Gallagher Solicitors is here to help. Call us today or complete our online enquiry form to arrange an initial consultation with one of our family lawyers.

Let us help you protect your relationship with your child while ensuring their best interests are at the heart of every decision.

Information contained in this website is for information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. For legal advice tailored to your circumstances, call us now or fill out our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation with one of our family lawyers. 

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Testimonials

“Ness Gallagher have represented McGarry Flooring & Contracts Ltd for all our legal requirements for over twenty years.We have always been afforded outstanding service with the whole team working diligently and discreetly to advise and guide us through the many challenges we meet in business today”

Liam McGarry - McGarry Flooring

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"Ness Gallagher provide a wide range of legal services and I am always confident in their advice."

Sherry Funeral Directors - Motherwell

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"We have been dealing with Ness Gallagher for over 20 years and have always found them pleasant to deal with, offering professional advice on all legal matters in a prompt and efficient manner."

Toolstop - Bothwell

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"Two generations of our family have relied on Ness Gallagher providing legal assistance for over 40 years.Their guidance and expertise in diverse areas such as the preparation of wills, winding up of estates, and buying and selling property has been invaluable. In all cases the entire process is handled in a friendly, professional manner with a welcome personal touch. We would have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending their services."

The Doran and Mullen families, Wishaw

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Friendly Family Law Solicitors in Scotland

At Ness Gallagher, we are here to provide practical and professional advice, tailored to your family’s situation. You can be confident that we will listen to your needs carefully and help you obtain the desired result.


95 Stewarton Street,Wishaw,Lanarkshire,ML2 8AGPhone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw

© Ness Gallagher Solicitors 2025

Privacy Policy | Terms of use

All Rights Reserved


95 Stewarton Street,Wishaw,Lanarkshire,ML2 8AGPhone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw

© Ness Gallagher Solicitors 2025

Privacy Policy | Terms of use

All Rights Reserved