A family law professional’s top choices of separated parents tools and resources

by Claire Colbert

When the Parenting after Parting committee prepared Parenting Through Separation, we included a two-page spread of helpful websites. This is often a good starting point to look for support and information beyond legal advice.

There are so many resources available in books, YouTube and Apps. Every family law professional has their favourites, so here I share mine in the hope they are helpful for you to share with your clients and even to read yourself to provide the best all-round support for your clients.

Books for separated parents

A number of short articles dealing with practical questions parents may have when separating, based on the enquiries received by OnlyMums & OnlyDads

A review of the pros and cons of each of the out of court dispute resolution options available to resolve issues (financial and children) for separating parents.

Advice, tips and suggestions for dealing with relationship breakdown and supporting children through this.

Sensible, helpful tips for how to talk to children about separation, focusing on putting children first.

An outline of tools parents will need when going through a separation or divorce, with the aim to help working relationships for separated parents and the child’s experience of divorce.

A guide for co-parents providing the skills and knowledge to provide a stable and supportive environment for children and a healthy co-parenting dynamic.

A review of some critical parenting problems divorce brings, and suggestions for managing them.

Ways to help people recognise narcissistic behaviour, with practical insights and information on how to survive the process emotionally, financially and legally.

Online resources for separated parents

Many resources available online are detailed in Parenting Through Separation. Some I would highlight would be:

  • CAFCASS/FJYPB Top tips for parents (and professionals) as well as the “In our shoes” publication, capturing informative details of the experiences of young people in their journeys through the family courts.
  • Because it’s for the kids by Jennifer McIntosh, who runs the website Children Beyond Dispute. A review of what children need from parents who are separating and the impact of conflict.
  •  See It Differently. Videos and information looking at the impact of arguments when parents separate and what the impact can be if thing are done differently.
  • What About Me? by Family Solutions Group, YouTube. A powerful video of quotes from children and young people who have been through parental separation.

Parenting plans

Parenting plans are a good way for parents to discuss and plan how they intend to co-parent, what they are both expecting from the other parent, and what the arrangements for their children will be in the short and longer term. Some good examples of parenting plans for clients to review, work on and complete can be found at:

Parenting apps

Parenting apps can be a way for separated parents to manage their communication and logistics in one app, streamlining their parenting schedule, shared expenses and recording changes made. Apps have a variety of services and subscription costs. Some examples are:

Along with these resources, a great detail of assistance and support can be found from parenting courses and co-parenting coaches.

The resources I recommend change regularly, and I am always pleased when I hear of other resources available and how valuable clients have found them. As family law professionals, providing this additional information and support can be immensely important for how clients manage the process and their co-parenting going forward.

 claire@familymandm.co.uk