With Christmas fast-approaching, it is a good time to reflect on a difficult issue – how to co-parent through separation. Where and with whom the children of separated parents will spend the Christmas period is often a matter that causes considerable disagreement, and for many is, understandably, a particularly emotional topic.
At Moore Barlow, we are very conscious of the difficulties that parents face when separating. Throughout the year, we assist families with navigating those difficulties – perhaps the most emotional of which is working out what arrangements are best for the children of the family. This issue is heightened at this time of year, with numerous Christmas festivities and school events, family gatherings, and the big day itself. Communicating with an ex-partner about Christmas can often prove an area of conflict, particularly where the circumstances of the separation are not amicable.
Supporting co-parents this Christmas
We work together with our clients to resolve issues between them and their co-parent, with the ultimate aim of keeping matters out of court. We want to help manage co-parenting expectations, so that families can come to a workable outcome that keeps the children’s best interests at its centre.
In accordance with this approach, Moore Barlow’s family lawyers are members of Resolution, a family justice organisation whose members are committed to helping families and individuals to resolve matters in as constructive and conciliatory a manner as possible.
Resolution’s Parenting Through Separation guide contains advice to help parents put their children first whilst dealing with the practical, financial and the emotional issues that arise during separation and divorce. Matters concerning children are not limited to with whom they should live and spend time with – throughout their childhoods, many other decisions will arise, such as educational and medical decisions that have to be made.
Specific sections of the guide address Christmas and how to approach the topic with the co-parent, with the main focus being on making the arrangements fair and without asking a child to choose where they wish to spend Christmas.
How Moore Barlow can help
Our family lawyers have a breadth of experience in assisting clients with agreeing the arrangements for their children with their co-parent or, if the circumstances require it (and very much as a last resort), seeking a decision via the court process. We consider each family’s circumstances and dynamic individually, to determine what form of resolution process might best-assist.
If you would like to speak us about how to co-parent and resolving family disputes, please contact one of our experienced Moore Barlow family lawyers.
