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The breakdown of a relationship: what about the children?

The breakdown of a relationship can be difficult for not only the separating couple, but also the children.  Josiah Hincks are specialist family lawyers in Leicester with vast experience in dealing with children law issues. It may seem hard to remain amicable, but an experienced family lawyer should explain to parents finding themselves contemplating separation, or having already parted, to try to keep matters as friendly as possible for the sake of the children. In reality though, this can be very hard to do.

Parents may want to consider formal mediation or relationship counselling which hopefully will assist in any discussions you may have to have, and friends or family members that might be able to look at things objectively, can also sometimes be a great help. Josiah Hincks can help find a family mediator.

When parents separate, children do not always understand the full extent of the problems their parents are experiencing and are usually desperate to keep their family together.  It is difficult for parents to explain that they all may actually be happier if they separate.  Parents will need to take into account their child’s age and understanding to ensure matters are explained in a child focused way.  The younger the child is, the less they perhaps need to know, but whatever age the child is, they need to know that both parents love them and the separation is not their fault.

As a parent you should try to consider and focus upon what is in the best interests of the children, rather than focusing on your particular needs, when it comes to considering the arrangements as to how the children should be looked after in the future, for instance, where they are to live or how much time they should spend with each of their parents.

If it is not possible to reach an agreement, then this may lead to lawyers becoming involved and subsequently then onto court proceedings whereby you may need input from the Children and Family Courts Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), who full investigate matters on behalf of the Court.  Court proceedings can be avoided if parents are able to communicate between themselves, with the assistance of mediation, or via their lawyers.

 

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.josiahhincks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/CH-cropped150.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Claire Holland is an experienced Family Lawyer based in Blaby. She qualified as a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2009.[/author_info] [/author] By Claire Holland – Chartered Legal Executive and Family Law Specialist Josiah Hincks Solicitors, Blaby Branch Office