Capitol Family Mediation Lewisham
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Capitol Family Mediation Lewisham - Family Mediation Support
Understanding the Family Childrens Act 1989 for Families in Lewisham
The Children Act 1989 is the foundation of family law in England and Wales. When the Family Court in the Lewisham area makes any decision about a child’s upbringing, welfare, or property, it is legally bound by the core principles of this Act.
Understanding these principles can help parents and carers in Lewisham frame their discussions in mediation or court.
Speak to Capitol Family Mediation on 0208 719 0001 or click below to arrange a callback from our mediation experts.
Basic Principles of the Children Act 1989 for Lewisham Families
The Paramountcy Principle (Section 1(1))
This is the most important principle and is often called the “Golden Thread” of the Children Act: The child’s welfare shall be the court’s paramount consideration. What this means: The child’s well-being is more important than the wishes or needs of the parents, grandparents, or anyone else involved. The court must put the child first in every decision regarding their upbringing.
The Welfare Checklist (Section 1(3)) When the court considers a Child Arrangements Order (CAO), it must systematically review all seven factors of the Welfare Checklist. This checklist ensures a thorough, child-focused assessment.
Checklist Factor: A. Wishes and Feelings
Core Question for the Court: What are the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child, considered in light of their age and level of understanding?
Checklist Factor: B. Needs
Core Question for the Court: What are the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs?
Checklist Factor: C. Change
Core Question for the Court: What is the likely effect on the child of any change in their circumstances?
Checklist Factor: D. Characteristics
Core Question for the Court: What is the child’s age, sex, background, and any characteristics the court considers relevant, such as culture, faith, or neurodiversity?
Checklist Factor: E. Harm
Core Question for the Court: Has the child suffered, or are they at risk of suffering, any harm?
Checklist Factor: F. Capability
Core Question for the Court: How capable are each of the parents, and any other relevant person, of meeting the child’s needs?
Checklist Factor: G. Court Powers
Core Question for the Court: What range of powers does the court have available within the proceedings?
The No Order Principle (Section 1(5)) The court operates on the principle of minimal intervention: The court shall not make an order unless it considers that doing so would be better for the child than making no order at all.
What this means: The court should not interfere with a family’s life unless there is a positive benefit to the child in making an order. If parents can manage arrangements constructively themselves (for example, through a mediated Parenting Plan), the court prefers to leave them to it.
Presumption of Parental Involvement (Section 1(2A)) There is a legal presumption that the involvement of both parents in the child’s life will further the child’s welfare.
What this means: The law assumes that a child benefits from having both parents involved, unless there is evidence that one parent’s involvement would put the child at risk of harm. This does not mean a 50/50 division of time, but rather a continuing relationship.
Family Court Serving the Lewisham Area
The London Borough of Lewisham is typically served by the main Family Court centre in East London.
Court Name: East London Family Court
Address: 6th and 7th Floor, 11 Westferry Circus (Entrance in Columbus Courtyard), London, E14 4HD
Family Appointments: 0203 197 2806
General Enquiries: 0203 197 2886
Public Phone (General): 0300 123 5577
Handles Cases: Child Arrangements Orders, divorce, financial matters, and domestic abuse applications for the Lewisham area.
Capitol Family Mediation. Family and Civil Mediation for Families and Businesses
Meetings Are Strictly by Appointment Only. Our Location is not staffed
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online . Speak to Capitol Mediation
Our Lewisham Hub – Find us at
199-201 Lewisham High St, London, SE13 6LG
Call our team to book your mediation on 0208 719 0001
Capitol Family Mediation Lewisham - Child Focused Solutions
Capitol Mediation Lewisham supports families across Lewisham where child arrangements are considered under the Children Act 1989. The Children Act places the child’s welfare as the court’s paramount consideration, guiding decisions about living arrangements, contact, and parental responsibility.
Mediation provides a structured and child-focused process that helps parents explore arrangements in line with the principles of the Children Act, including stability, safety, and the child’s individual needs. By encouraging cooperation and communication, mediation can reduce conflict and support outcomes that prioritise the child’s wellbeing.
Capitol Mediation Lewisham helps parents understand how the Children Act applies to their situation and supports them in reaching practical, child-centred agreements without unnecessary court involvement.
Call our team on 0208 719 0001 to find out more about child-focused mediation in Lewisham.