Cafcass has published some updated advice for parents involved in family court proceedings. The ‘top tips’ have been written by the Family Forum established by Cafcass in September 2021 as part of its ambition to listen more closely to what families say about their experiences of Cafcass’ work with them.

The Cafcass Family Forum comprises a group of parents, carers and extended family members who have had direct experience of family court proceedings. Their purpose is to help Cafcass to understand how families experience proceedings and to use that learning to influence and improve the effectiveness of practice.

For parents involved in private law court proceedings (where arrangements are agreed for children after parents have divorced or separated), the Cafcass Family Forum members have devised ten top tips for separating parents to help them think about how they can minimise the damaging impact of separation and court proceedings on their children. These tips include:

• The court process is traumatic for everyone involved. Remember to take care of your own wellbeing during this process.
• Court proceedings can take a long time and the length in time can damage your child’s emotional wellbeing and their relationship with both parents.
• When the important adults have good communication with each other, the child can see that they have their best interests at heart.

Again, this reflects the experiences of families who have been through the court process themselves. It really should be a last resort. Unless your safety is at risk, do try another option first. There are so many options out these for families, from joint legal advice through One Couple One Lawyer services like ours, to mediation, co-parenting expertise and therapeutic intervention.

You can read the full list of tips for parents involved in private law family court proceedings here.

Author Name: Editor

Published content by The Divorce Surgery Editorial Team.

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