A 123-page report by the Family Solutions Group calls for a rethink of society’s approach to divorce and separation.
It says that a legal response to parental disagreements over their children is inappropriate for many, and actively harmful for some.
Many parents turn to the family courts with disagreements about their children almost straight away. This is before taking time to talk things over and compromise. Many parents’ first expectations upon separation is to fight for their rights, rather than cooperating and working together over their shared love for their child or children.
The report, titled ‘What about me?: Reframing Support for Families following Parental Separation’ recommends improving information and support for children, with those deemed to be of appropriate age being consulted on the decisions that will affect them.
It also calls for a triage with parents to assess their needs and direct them on a safe pathway for vulnerable families who do need access to the family court or to direct them away from court and promote a long-term parenting relationship.
Of course, this isn’t easy for parents and there are further recommendations for them to seek therapists and mediators alongside legal services to help them work together and resolve issues rather than work against each other.
We’re here to help those couples at any point during their separation, get together, discuss and work out what is right for them and their child/children.
No matter how challenging your circumstances, we can guide you through making care arrangements that work for you and your children. We offer creative, practical solutions to even the most difficult problems, so you and your children can move forward in a positive way. Please get in touch for advice.