Publication date: 05.06.2024
Children's rights in Ukraine: Protection and support in difficult situations
Every child in Ukraine has the right to a happy childhood, full development and protection of their interests. However, in real life, children often face situations where their rights are violated, especially during family conflicts. That is why such specialists as a children's lawyer and a children's lawyer play an important role.
A children's lawyer is not just a lawyer. He is a specialist who deeply understands the psychology of a child, knows all the nuances of the legislation on the rights of minors and knows how to effectively protect their interests in court. Such a specialist can help in various situations: from protecting a child from abuse to representing his interests in disputes between parents.
One of the most difficult situations where children's rights are often violated is the divorce of parents. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, more than 30,000 divorces were registered in 2022, and in more than half of the cases there were minor children in the families. In such cases, the question "How to divorce when there are children ?" becomes particularly acute.
The process of divorce in the presence of children is much more complicated. In addition to emotional stress for all family members, it requires the resolution of many legal issues. This is where a lawyer for the protection of children's rights comes to the rescue. His task is to ensure that the interests of the most vulnerable - children - are not harmed in the whirlpool of conflict between parents.
The first step is to get the divorce papers right if there are children. In addition to the standard application for divorce, you need to prepare:
1. Agreement on who the children will live with
2. Schedule of meetings of children with the parent who will live separately
3. Agreement on the amount and order of alimony payments
Often parents cannot agree on these issues on their own. Then a children's lawyer enters the case. He helps to find a compromise solution or, if this is not possible, represents the interests of the child in court. The main principle is to act in the best interests of the child.
The issue of dividing children during divorce is particularly acute. In Ukrainian legislation, there is no concept of "separation of children during divorce " - this is a figurative expression that means determining with which parent the children will remain. According to Article 160 of the Family Code of Ukraine, a child who has reached the age of 14 has the right to decide for himself which parent to live with. For younger children, the court makes the decision, taking into account the opinion of the guardianship authorities.
A lawyer for the protection of children's rights in such a situation does not simply represent one of the parents. His task is to convince the court to make a decision that best meets the needs of the child. This can be living with the mother, father or, in some cases, alternate living with both parents.
A large number of highly qualified lawyers are concentrated in Kyiv, as in the capital. A lawyer for the protection of children's rights in Kyiv is often a specialist with many years of experience who has worked with the most difficult cases. Such specialists not only know the laws, but also understand the specifics of the capital - for example, how life in a big city with its rhythm and opportunities affects a child.
It is important to understand that a lawyer's work does not end after a court decision is rendered. Children after the divorce of their parents need special support. Here, the lawyer cooperates with psychologists and social workers to help the child adapt to new living conditions. This may include adjusting the meeting schedule if the child is having a hard time being separated from one of the parents, or dealing with issues related to school or clubs.
Another aspect where a child lawyer is often needed is cases of domestic violence. Unfortunately, according to the Ministry of Social Policy, more than 100,000 complaints about domestic violence are registered in Ukraine every year, and in many cases children suffer. A children's lawyer in such situations not only represents the child's interests in court, but also helps to obtain a protective order, find a safe place to live, and also works with law enforcement agencies.
Children's rights in Ukraine are protected by a number of laws and international conventions. The key ones are the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Ukraine, and the Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Childhood". They guarantee children the right to life, name, citizenship, freedom of thought, right to education, protection from violence and many others.
However, laws are only a tool. Qualified specialists are needed for their effective use. A lawyer for children, a lawyer for children, a lawyer for the protection of children's rights - these are not just professions. This is the calling of people who have decided to dedicate themselves to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
In difficult life situations, especially during divorce, when emotions often prevail over reason, it is precisely such specialists who stand guard over the rights and interests of children. They help parents find wise decisions, and when this is impossible, they defend the interests of children in court. Their goal is to ensure that every child in Ukraine, despite life's storms, has the opportunity for a happy, safe and fulfilling childhood.
# children's rights lawyer, children's rights lawyer Kyiv
