Page 21 - WMPF Federation FEB-MAR 2022_Neat

Toolkit for

separated parents

By Lucy Todd, family law Our tips are: l Ensure the children are not placed in a
associate solicitor - Irwin l Champion the principle that it is in the best position to manipulate one parent against
Mitchell, Birmingham interests of the children to have a the other.
meaningful and secure relationship with l Endeavour to communicate reasonably and
ntering a New Year each parent (subject to there being no properly with the other parent in respect
presents us all with safeguarding concerns e.g. issues relating of arrangements relating to their
Ethe opportunity to to violence, abuse etc). children and show proper respect to one
make New Year’s resolutions l Acknowledge the children are to be treated another.
and to commit to putting in place time in our as important individuals with unique l Never attempt to discuss the
calendars for us to look forward to in the year feelings, ideas and desires and not as a arrangements via the children. These are
ahead. source of arguments between parents. adult issues and the children should be
As family solicitors, it is during the periods l Never denigrate the other parent in the protected from them.
ahead of school holiday time that we tend to presence or hearing of the children. l Remember that children require routine,
see a spike in child arrangement disputes, l Never seek to undermine the other parent’s stability and consistency. It is important
reflective of our clients’ desire to take their position as the child’s parent. that they feel secure in the
children away on holiday or to spend extra l Actively encourage the knowledge and arrangements made.
time with them outside their usual appreciation of what is good in each l Understand that to expose the children
arrangements. This can cause conflict between parent. to adult conflict may contribute to the
separated parents, particularly where l Permit the children to express their love risk of the children suffering long-term
communications are strained. and affection for the absent parent. This emotional and psychological damage.
With the above in mind, we have prepared will enable the children to feel that they Should you require any guidance or support
the following guidance, aimed at separated have the emotional permission to love both from a legal perspective during the summer
parents in a bid to reduce tension and provide parents, and avoid them fearing the other period, then Irwin Mitchell has a wealth of
a useful aide memoir as to how best to achieve parent’s disapproval which will, in turn, experienced family law practitioners who
constructive and positive communications to permit the children to relax and enjoy their will be able and happy to help.
facilitate solutions that all parties are happy time with the other parent.
with. Contact Lucy Todd:
The aim is to enable parents to positively 0121 203 5566 / 07592 121001
co-parent, which will undoubtedly be in the Lucy.Todd@irwinmitchell.com
best interests of the children involved. www.IrwinMitchell.com

FREE family law surgeries

Family law specialists from legal firm Irwin Mitchell are offering
free consultations to members of West Midlands Police Consultations are available on:
Federation.
The firm said initial consultations with members would be l 16 February 2022 l 17 August 2022
free of charge with a 10 per cent discount on the fees from and l 16 March 2022 l 14 September 2022
any further meetings. l 13 April 2022 l 12 October 2022
It has released a series of dates for legal surgeries at
Guardians House and requires members to pre-book l 11 May 2022 l 16 November 2022
consultations by contacting Lucy Todd on her direct mobile l 15 June 2022 l 14 December 2022.
07592 121001 or emailing her at Lucy.Todd@IrwinMitchell.com l 13 July 2022

www.polfed.org/westmids federation February/March 2022 21