Learning Outcomes:
Exhibit a critical awareness of principles and rules of family law and to illustrate the nature of marital relationships and those adults in a close relationship whilst showing communication and organisation and planning skills.
LO2: Critically evaluate the success of the application of current family law.
LO3: Develop research in and appraise the area of Family Law in regard to the relationship between children and parents and adults in a close relationship.
Assignment Brief:
Bart and Lily separated 2 years ago and agreed at the time that their three children, Dan, Layla and Stewie, then aged three, six and eight, should continue to live with Lily. No orders were made in relation to the children on separation. Until six months ago, Bart had seen Dan, Layla and Stewie very regularly, often having them for weekends and for part of the school holidays. For the past ten weeks Lily has cancelled contact arrangements (at the last minute), she will not allow Bart to speak with the children on the telephone, facetime or what’s app and has not given the children birthday cards and presents that their father sent to them.
For the past seven months Bart has been seeing Frank, a wealthy business man. Bart and Frank would now like to get married as soon as possible. However, Bart and Lily are still married.
Lily refuses to discuss the children with Bart, who fears that he is being excluded as Dan’s, Layla’s and Stewie’s parent because of his relationship with Frank. Lily did not tell Bart about a parent’s evening at Stewie’s school last week, and attended alone. Bart has also discovered that the school has changed the children’s surname to that of Lily’s maiden name and also that Lily feels that contact with their father should cease due to his relationship with Frank.
A few weeks ago, again at the very last minute, Lily cancelled a long-standing arrangement for the children to spend the weekend with Bart and visit their paternal grandparents, due to Lily being aware that Frank would also be there. Dan has told Bart that his mother is taking them to America in the summer, which will mean that Bart will not get to see his children during holidays.
It has become apparent that Lily disapproves of Bart’s relationship with Frank and no longer thinks that her children should have contact with him as he is marrying Frank.
Bart would like to have contact with his children for the foreseeable future.
Advise Bart with regards to divorcing Lily and discuss the likely outcome of any applications made to the court in relation the three children.
Secondary Research Level HE6 – It is expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include three refereed academic journals and four academic books.
Specific Assessment Criteria:
First class: This piece of work shows evidence of wider research with reference to a number of differing academic viewpoints. The essay has recognised relevantly and discussed in detail, all the required external environmental factors which affect the management operation of mega events. Several reasoned and logical arguments have been developed well and supported by a wide range of appropriately researched literature. Reference to two or more academic models is clear, relevant and informative. Presentation is of a high standard, and in the appropriate essay style. The high number of appropriate sources has been referenced accurately and to a high standard.
