Resources

Section 1 – Children

For separated parents one of the most difficult things to deal with are making arrangements for the children of the family to spend time with the parent they do not live with so that they continue to develop and grow up having a balanced relationship with both parents. Research also tells us that a healthy relationship with both parents helps children grow up into healthy balanced adults. Here are some resources that will help you.

The Parenting Plan – Download

The parenting plan is written by CAFCASS who are the organisation who advise the judges at court and deal with parents. It is designed for separated parents to complete together to assist them with reaching agreement in relation to child arrangements. You can either complete the parenting plan online here or you can download a word version of the parenting plan onto your computer or print it out and complete it.

Top Tips For Parents With Teenagers

Teenagers of separated parents have different needs to younger children. Here are some top tips put together by a group of teenagers designed to help you understand their needs.

Our Family Wizard

Our Family Wizard is a tool for separated parents to use which helps improve communication. Features on my family wizard include a shared diary, txt messaging and document storing. Your child can also be a part of the conversation which is particularly useful as they get older and want to make independent choices such as changing a date or time they see the parent they do not live with. With features that anticipate your communication needs, Our Family Wizard is specifically designed to reduce the stress of managing family plans across separate households.

Section 2 – Finances

Sorting our finances upon separation can be daunting and complicated. However, without reaching an agreement neither of you can move forward with your life. Here is a survival guide to sorting out your finances when you get divorced prepared by Advice Now. It can also be used for couples that have never been married as the same principles apply.

Dealing With Finances

We deal with financial matters in mediation the same way as you would if solicitors were instructed or there were court proceedings. Financial disclosure has to take place by both of you. What this means is you both producing all your financial documents to each other. The mediator will help you go through these documents and understand what they mean and help you reach a financial agreement. Here is a Financial Guide that gives you some information as to what you need to be thinking about when sorting out your finances when you separate or get divorced.

Organisations that provide useful information

When searching the internet you will come across a lot of conflicting information about what you should do when you separate or divorce. Here are details of the main organisations that deal with family law.

Organisation	Link Page
Family Mediation Council – The Regulator of family mediators	Family Mediation Council
Solicitors Regulation Authority – The regulator of Solicitors	Solicitors Regulation Authority
Resolution – Organisation that accredits Family Solicitors & Mediators Find a Resolution solicitor or mediator	Resolution
CAFCASS – Children & Family Court Advisory Service	CAFCASS
Advice Now – Provide excellent written guides about Divorce and separation	Advice Now
Gov.UK – Making child arrangements if you divorce or separate	GOV.UK

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