Do’s and Don’ts about spending time with children during or Following a separation

Some Do’s and Don’ts about spending time with Children

If you can follow these guidelines when spending time with your children, whether on a voluntary basis after separation or under a court order, it will be a positive and enriching experience for the children.

• DO be punctual. Lateness leads to conflict between parents and may spoil the visit for the child or be in breach of a court order.

• DO establish a pattern for contact visits as soon as possible after separation.

• DO, where time and space permits, spend time simply being with your children. As an absent parent, this will help your relationship with your children more than organised activities.

• DO recognise that, as children get older, they have friendships, school activities, hobbies etc. and contact arrangements need to take these into account.

• DO deal frankly, but sympathetically, with the issue of new partners – both with your former partner and with the children.

• DON’T question the children about the personal life of your ex-partner.

• DON’T blame every physical ailment on the last contact visit.

• DON’T encourage the children to take sides – it is you who are getting divorced or have separated, not the children.

• DON’T dismiss an opportunity to attend Mediation if issues arise after separation.

Taylor Bracewell Family Team is experts in dealing with all aspects of Family Law, they are here to help with any issues you are currently facing in respect to your separation and child arrangments.

Don’t hesitate to contact Sharon McKie, Head of Family Law, regarding any issues you may be facing by telephone 01302 965814 or by emailing her at sharon.m@taylorbracewell.co.uk