Children Act 1989: Primary legislation governing children's welfare in England and Wales. Establishes the paramountcy principle that child's welfare is paramount, defines parental responsibility, and sets out framework for various court orders relating to children.
Family Law Act 1996: Provides the legal framework for separation agreements and deals with domestic arrangements between separating couples.
Matrimonial Causes Act 1973: Covers financial provisions and arrangements in separation cases, particularly relevant if separation might lead to divorce proceedings.
Child Support Act 1991: Legislation governing child maintenance arrangements and financial responsibilities of parents towards their children.
Human Rights Act 1998: Ensures compliance with human rights legislation, particularly Article 8 regarding the right to family life in custody arrangements.
Equality Act 2010: Ensures no discrimination in custody and separation arrangements based on protected characteristics.
Children and Families Act 2014: Updates to the family justice system including mediation requirements and modern family arrangements.
Brussels II bis Regulation: European regulation relevant for pre-Brexit cases involving international custody disputes within EU member states.
Hague Convention on Child Abduction: International treaty protecting children from cross-border abduction and retention, crucial for international custody arrangements.
