Help with separating and co-parenting
Information, advice and legal support for separating and separated parents.
Advice if you're considering separating
The GOV.UK website has details of legal support about:
- parental rights and responsibilities
- making child arrangements
- what you need to do legally
- financial arrangements for children - Child Maintenance Service
The following websites could also help you:
- find guides on the issues you need to consider when separating or getting divorced on the AdviceNow website
- get help to find a law professional to help sort out issues involving the breakdown of your marriage, care of your children, your home and your finances on the resolution website
- get information for parents who need advice about children, divorce or a family breakup, and those involved in the family justice system on the Sussex Family Justice Board website
Online resources for separating and co-parenting
Here are some online resources to help if you're separating and co-parenting:
- find out how a Parenting Plan can help - a written agreement between separating parents to support co-parenting
- use the 'In the Middle' bot - to help you understand how your child sees your relationship and how they might be feeling
- use Relate’s Sounding Board bot - for parents who are having disagreements, it helps you write emails, text messages, or get ready to talk with your partner or co-parent in a clear and positive way
Mediation
Most parents who take part in mediation will reach an agreement without having to go to court.
Mediation can help with:
- arrangements for children after you break up - sometimes called custody, residence or contact
- where you and your children are going to live
- child maintenance payments
- finances - what to do with your house, savings, pension and debts
Mediation Services
You can also search for locally registered mediators at the Family Mediation Council website.
Mediation vouchers
The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme. It's designed to support parents to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. It offers a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation, if you're eligible.
Find out about the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme on the GOV.UK website.
Making arrangements for your children
Get help with child arrangements is a guide to help you make or change child arrangements with the other parent. This is also known as contact, access or with the other parent.
Find out how Cafcass can help if you cannot come to agreement about the arrangements for your children.
Find out how Citizens Advice can help if your child arrangements aren’t working.
You can also find out about contact with your grandchild if their parents divorce or separate on the GOV.UK website.
Support for your child or young person
Advice and support for children and young people is available from: