Going through a separation is one of those big life events, which no one is really prepared for and certainly will not enjoy.
Here at Children in the Middle®, over the years, we’ve spoken to hundreds, if not thousands, of clients going through a separation.
For almost all of our clients, their children are their main focus – how to make the separation impact on their children as little as possible.
These are our top tips for how to handle the initial stages of your separation:
- Try and find a way to communicate civilly with your spouse or partner. This will really help you sort out everything you both need to deal with, will help your children and inevitably will keep your legal costs down.
- Be kind to yourself. This is a major life event and very difficult.
- Speak to your children in an age appropriate way about what is going to happen. Reassure them their mum and dad still love them.
- Try and agree a plan for how the care of the children will be arranged. This will make everyone – you, your partner or spouse, and most importantly, your children, feel more secure.
- Separate out the finances and arrangements for the children. Judges expect these issues to be dealt with separately.
- Do not rely on legal advice from ‘the man in the pub’ or ‘the woman in the hairdressers’. It is likely to be wrong, however well meaning.
If you need help with sorting out the arrangements for the care of your children, get in touch with us. We are specialist barristers. There is no need for a solicitor – you can come direct to the experts.