Product Description

This user-friendly and practical book is a step-by-step guide
for fathers seeking contact with their children after separation and
divorce, and all those connected with a father in that situation. Divided
into three parts, it explains with clarity and compassion how the law
affects fathers and navigates the reader through this increasingly
complicated area of family law, and potential areas of conflict.

Part 1 deals with the family, and the effects of separation on children and
fathers; Part 2 deals with the current law, the workings of the family
court system and recent important changes. In this thoroughly revised and
expanded second edition, the author has included additional sections on
paternity; civil partnerships; grandparents; the separate representation of
children; litigants in person; disclosure, confidentiality and publicity;
and appeals. Part 3 deals with the issue of reform and considers proposals
for change.

Celia Conrad's indispensable bestselling book remains essential reading for
anyone interested in issues of concern for fathers and offers invauable
insight into the plight of loving fathers separated from their children.

Bob Geldof said of the 1st edition:

"I wish this book had been around when I went through my contemptible
experiences at the hands of the Family Courts. It would have helped explain
what was happening to me...This book is a timely, invaluable guide around
the many hurdles and obstructions the Courts will put in a man's way to
stop him being a dad to his kids. Read it and learn."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #272852 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

From the Publisher
*Completely updates the bestselling 1st edition published in
October 2003.

*First and still the only legal handbook for fathers devoted to this area
of family law.

*Sympathetic approach to issues of concern to fathers and/or anyone
separated from or wishing to seek contact with the children of the family,
including grandparents and other members for the extended family.

*Legal processes explained clearly and concisely.

From the Author
If you are reading this page you probably a father who is struggling to maintain/achieve contact with your child, or someone connected to a father who is in that situation. But whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, I hope that if you do decide to purchase a copy of Fathers Matter it will help you in some way.The fathers I spoke to told me that there was very little information available to them and asked me if I would consider writing a comprehensive guide dealing with both the emotional impact on and legal implications of separation and divorce for fathers and their children. They wanted a practical guide relating to fathers' problems from a fathers perspective. I have therefore written this book for all loving fathers who wish to build and/or maintain healthy relationships with their children. I hope that by reading this book they will be able to cope better with the breakdown of their relationship and the adjustments that have to be made by them and their children upon separation, and also avoid prohibitive legal costs! I do not claim to have answered every single legal point as this is a handbook and not a legal textbook and every case spins on it own facts. However, I would welcome comments from fathers and any other interested party on points they wish to be expanded upon in future editions. This is important as the book is to help you! Sincerely, Celia Conrad

About the Author
Celia Conrad studied Law at King's College, University of
London, and qualified as a solicitor in October 1994. She worked
exclusively as a family law practitioner for several 'magic circle' firms
in London until leaving full-time private practice in 2001. She continued
to work part-time in private practice while she researched and wrote the
first edition of this book (October 2003). Since leaving private practice
she has continued to research and write and to work as a freelance Legal
Consultant. She is interested in all areas of Family law reform, but has a
particular interest in the field of Child law. Celia gave evidence in
January 2005 to the Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry on the
Government's proposals for reform of family justice. Celia has also
appeared on Radio 5 Live, Channel 4, and in the Daily Mail.

Customer Reviews

a lifeline for fathers
What a welcome to my bookshelf the new, revised version of this book has been. Recommended by a friend at a difficult time, when my marriage and family unit suffered irretrievable breakdown, Conrad's support for the father's side (without opposing that of the mother's) proved to be a lifeline to my progress, especially as I had already wasted considerable time and money out of ignorance of family law and how it works.
I needed a book which would clearly show my paternal rights and help me to prepare a legal case to clarify my rights over my children. I looked at quite a few books, several written by dads who had been through similar turmoil, but they only offered emotional support where this lawyer/author offered considerable legal substance in additional to the emotional.
Set in three parts and written in easy, understandable English, it is comprehensive, concise and in no way condescending. Part one considers the effect of separation on children and fathers, where so often books seem to favour those of the mother and children. Part two is right up to date on current issues and changes to the law with additional sections- publicity and coping with the stress of going to appeal were especially helpful in my case. Part three brings the author's expertise to the fore as she discusses reform and looks forward to the need for change. Her sensitivity throughout is commendable.
In all, as a total 'dad friendly' package, it reassured me in times of doubt, bolstered my confidence to proceed, and assisted my knowledge and understanding at a very difficult time of my life. Needless to say, my own outcome was positive and my rights to the children have been fairly secured, in no small part due to this book. It is the only piece of literature you will need; and absolute find!

two sides of a coin.....
I read this with great interest, then I read my second purchase FAMILY COURT HELL by Mark Harris. Celia Conrad carefuly details what should happen when you go to these appalling courts and some of the pitfalls fathers either fall into or are led into. FAMILY COURT HELL is a graphic insight into what those pitfalls are and what happens when you land in them. FAMILY COURT HELL names & shames a variety of Judges, Child Psychiatrists and other court officials without fear or mercy. Read both and you get the complete picture.

Essential reading
The best guide yet for fathers fighting in the family courts to maintain the fragile relationship with their children. Dump your solicitor, buy this book, and find a McKenzie friend.

Celia Conrad is that rare thing: a solicitor who genuinely understands the importance of a father in his child's life, and who cares enough to do something about it. No doubt she has enraged some of her less honest colleagues in the process, for whom this book should be mandatory reading.

Take a fiver off the cover price and it would earn 5 stars!