A leading solicitor has warned that the paternity leave reforms will bring significant changes to family law in this country.
The new rules give fathers an entitlement to unpaid or standard paternity leave starting from day one in a job. They are among the reforms included in the Employment Rights Act, and came into force from April 6th. Now, Julian Bremner of Rayden Solicitors has stated that they will change the legal status of fathers, giving them equality in the eyes of the law.
This will be important when it comes to cases involving divorce and custody. It is something that family law solicitors in North Wales will have to be aware of from now on.
Bremner went on to say that courts often make decisions about custody based on how involved a parent has been from the start of a child’s life. According to Today’s Family Lawyer, he then added:
“Where relationships later break down, the courts will look closely at patterns of care, and this reform makes it easier for fathers to establish that involvement from day one.”
While they could make the difference in custody disputes, Bremner pointed out that the changes are largely positive. They will make it more possible for new fathers to ask for leave without worrying about hurting their careers.
This should lead to greater equality in terms of the responsibilities of parenting, as well as in the legal rights of each parent.
If you need solicitors in Bangor with experience in family law cases, contact Bennett Smith Solicitors right away.
