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."

*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.

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

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.

2007-12-09 E.Bigden

This work is judiciously balanced: it is thoughtful and practical, introducing a complex theme with lucidness and order. The ease with which the reader feels guided through this difficult territory is a tribute to the carefulness and wisdom of its writer.