How are the kids?

A focus on children during separation

When a child’s parents are separating it can be an earth-shattering process for them. It may raise many questions and feelings about themselves, their family and the future. Unfortunately, often the child’s feelings are just one of a long list of things that a separating parent is thinking about. In lots of cases, children are unable to express or understand their feelings and this can lead to them bottling it up or acting out at school or at home.

When our clients approach us during their separation to discuss their parenting arrangements, one of the first places we direct them to is the Parenting Through Separation course. This is a course that is government funded and is based around teaching parents how to look at their separation from their child’s point of view. This helps the parents better understand how it may be affecting them and what they can do to try make the transition easier. This can be a very useful tool for parents, especially around communicating with their children. Parents attend separately from one another.

Attending a Parenting Through Separation course is necessary if a client wants to apply for a Parenting Order to determine their children’s care arrangements. Upon completion of the course, a parent will receive a certificate to confirm they have completed this step.

Another requirement in applying for a Parenting Order is attending Family Dispute Resolution. This is a mediation service associated with the Family Justice system. Its purpose is to help parties come to an arrangement that works for them by themselves, without incurring the stress and expense of going to Court. The mediator will work with the parties to come up with a practical arrangement to suit their situation, with a focus on what is in the children’s best interests. Coming to an arrangement themselves means they have a lot more control over what their day to day routine will look like, whereas if it is left to the Court to decide then it is completely out of their hands. However, if one party won’t cooperate by attending mediation then the person applying can get an exemption certificate.

If your children are struggling with the separation or change in care arrangements, it might be worthwhile for them to attend counselling. This can be helpful for children to have someone empathetic and independent to talk to about their feelings. Many counsellors or psychologists have different techniques, such play therapy example, which helps a child open up. This can be useful for children to help them develop coping mechanisms, boost self-esteem and focus on working towards a more optimistic future.

If you are going through a separation and need help discussing your parenting arrangements or navigating the legal process, do not hesitate to get in touch. We have a great who are more than happy to help.

www.schnauer.com


By: , Legally Speaking with Odette Gillard, Schnauer & Co.
ogillard@schnauer.com

Issue 105 December 2019