What do I need to consider to take care of my children during separation?

Research suggests that children are far more perceptive of difficulties between parents than the parents realise. Children are also often far more realistic and resilient than parents think. However, whilst they remain children they are entitled to expect that parents will have the greatest input about future arrangements and organise the future in a way that addresses their welfare without conflict.

When going through a divorce or separation, there are several important considerations for children that parents should keep in mind:

  • The children’s motional wellbeing and sense of security.
  • Living arrangements and sharing time with parents. This includes considering practical matters like proximity to schools, friends, and activities. What do your children want?
  • Communication between parents to discuss the children's needs, schedules, and important decisions.
  • Consistency in parenting to maintain similar rules, expectations and routines across both households to provide stability for children.
  • Ensuring that appropriate financial arrangements are in place to meet children's needs.
  • Understand your legal rights and responsibilities regarding custody, access and decision-making authority for your children.
  • Build a respectful co-parenting relationship that focuses on the best interests of the children, keeping conflicts away from them.
  • Consider how to maintain children's relationships with extended family members on both sides.
  • Make arrangements for school communication, parent-teacher meetings and decisions about education.
  • Plan how birthdays, holidays and special events will be handled to ensure children can celebrate important occasions with both of you.

Drawing on many years of experience of sometimes almost intractable disputes, we can help to guide you towards a solution that is inclusive of all views, whilst recognising the different perspectives a family has on the problem. At SME Solicitors, we provide compassionate guidance through these difficult times with clear legal advice tailored to your specific situation.

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Our family law team.

Why choose our Family Law team?

Seeking expert legal advice is crucial at this time. Many aspects of family law are complex and emotionally challenging. Our advisers, Justine Lowe and Ian Stirzaker, are members of Resolution, a professional body for family law practitioners. They're committed to following a non-confrontational approach, reducing emotional turmoil and making the transition and separation easier.

We use our experience with Resolution, as Mediators and from other areas of the law to assist you through the process. We will ensure that you are properly advised to enable you to make the right decisions and reach an outcome you can rebuild from.

We aim to provide you with prompt, expert advice throughout your case. During our initial meeting, we'll discuss our funding approach and our service quality guarantee. Our goal is to achieve a fair outcome while minimising conflict and emotional distress. We also offer support through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods, which are often less adversarial than court proceedings.

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Not sure on your next steps?

We know that this can be challenging, but we are here to support you. Use our diagnostics tools to identify whether you're prepared for the divorce or separation process. We also offer a one hour no-obligation initial meeting at £150.00 + VAT.

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Our advisers are members of Resolution.

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