Top Tips (from a Child's Perspective) - Guidance for Separated Parents

The Family Justice Board was established in March 2012 to help drive improvements in the family justice system and ensure the best possible outcome for children who come into contact with it.

The Family Justice Young People's Board (FJYPB) are a group of over 50 children and young people aged between 7 and 25 who live across England and Wales. The members of the FJYPB have either had direct experience of the family court system or have an interest in children's rights and the family courts.

The FJYPB supports the Family Justice Board's work and has put together some top tips for separated parents to help parents think about matters from their child's perspective. We thought it would be useful to share some of the tips for separated parents:

  • Remember that your child has the right to see both parents if it is safe for them.
  • Try to have good communication with the other parent and speak to them nicely as that will ultimately help your child. 
  • Keep the other parent updated about your child's needs and what is happening for them.
  • Don't say bad things about the other parent, especially if your child can hear.
  • Try to be flexible and open to change when agreeing on arrangements. 
  • Remember that important dates such as birthdays, parents evening and sports days are special to your child and the other parent.
  • Make sure that your child is not left out of key family events, and try to compromise with the other parent so that your child can join in.
  • Try not to use your child as a messenger between you and the other parent.

The family team at Myerson are members of Resolution, an organisation of family professionals committed to helping separated parents by supporting and encouraging families to put the interests of any children first. 

Here to Help

If you have concerns that the arrangements regarding your child are not working in their best interest, please get in touch with a member of our Family Law team on 0161 941 4000 or email the Myerson Family Law Team.