Date published: 1st December 2021

Seeking family law advice can be daunting, which is why Jackson Lees’ Family team is here to support people every step of the way. Naturally, this includes helping separated parents make important parenting decisions, no matter the situation.

One way that family lawyers and solicitors can make a positive difference to parental responsibility discussions is by being Resolution-accredited. This accreditation assures a family-first approach, putting our Family lawyers in the ideal position to give separated parents real peace of mind.   

Learn more about parental responsibility

As a member of Resolution, I am regularly signposted to various online tools and organisations that can help clients with the practical difficulties that separation may cause.   

A recent such course was ‘Parenting through Separation’, providing us, as family lawyers, with assistance and information to help guide parents in making the best decisions for their children. This is particularly important in the early days of the breakdown of your relationship.

For instance, Resolution have produced a helpful and insightful guide: ‘Parenting through Separation’. This has proven vital to considering the best way forward, for your children and your family, as you come to terms with the adults separating.  

Helpfully, the guide provides different scenarios in which you may find yourself following separation and provides guidance as to how to help your children, as well as yourself, through what is a truly difficult time.

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I have worked in family law since 2006.  It’s, therefore, fair to say that I’ve helped countless parents in relation to parental responsibility and separation. 

These situations have been varied, often leading to arrangements for children breaking down, for a number of reasons. Whether a parent has been restricting contact to the other parents, or a parent wanting to spend time with their child, I have found that the benefit of my experience, and pragmatic application of the law, parents are generally able to eventually reach a positive outcome.

Hollie's advice for those sharing parental responsibility

Whenever a client approaches me in relation to child contact difficulties, I would generally consider writing to the other parent. My focus is to address any issues that may have arisen, and to propose that contact arrangements are reinstated. 

If this initial contact is unsuccessful, then I will always encourage clients to attempt mediation, wherever possible. Applications to Court are a last step but, nevertheless, a lot of people will find themselves having to make an application.  

Naturally, the prospect of Court proceedings can be daunting, however, as experienced legal professionals, all of our family lawyers are able to guide you through the process, even at times when it may seem as though your case is proving difficult.

Children issues that we regularly assist with are:-

  • Child Arrangements, to include the time that children should spend with each parent, and where they should live;
  • Relocation to other cities/towns and at times, to other countries;
  • Prohibited Steps – such as when you wish for an Order to be put into place preventing a child from being at risk from harm;
  • Specific Issues – you and your ex-partner may be unable to decide on issues such as schooling, medical assistance, holidays etc.
  • Indirect contact;
  • Grandparent contact – we are able to assist grandparents in seeking contact to their grandchildren.

This list is not exhaustive, and I have helped parents who have found themselves needing the assistance of the law in all kinds of situations.

Reverting to the guidance provided by Resolution, I am more than happy to provide a copy to all clients who are seeking that little bit of extra guidance with co-parenting issues and discuss the contents with you.

Get your Parenting through Separation Guide

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