Posted on August 18th, 2014 by Andrew NIxon

If you have had children with the partner you are separating from then your ability to focus on those children and their needs above your own are going to be tested, especially if your ex partner is failing to do so. Important decisions that affect them directly might become the focus of dispute (where they live, how often they see either parent, which school they are going to).

Equally, important decisions that may not initially appear to affect them directly (how the finances should be divided) may have a profound effect on them. These disputes can often get heated. Often parents in these situations do not recognize that they can influence the level of conflict.

I frequently represent parents involved at the same time in both children and financial proceedings. Emotions are usually very high at the start. One of the ways that parents themselves can address these natural consequences of a separation involving children is to agree to both of them attending a separated parenting information programme (SPIP).

If you have to go to court to resolve a dispute involving your child then it is almost certain that the court will give consideration to whether you and your partner should attend a SPIP and the court may even order it.

So what is a SPIP (Separated Parenting Information Programme)?

The SPIP (or separated information programme) is a course (very short; usually about 4 hours) designed to help parents learn about the challenges of post separation parenting and offering them tips and advice on how to manage the high emotions and disagreements.

It is recognised that children can cope better with parents divorcing or separating when there is little conflict and they have access to both parents and their wider family. The course is therefore designed to help separating parents to focus on that and recognise the fact that whilst they are no longer partners, they are still parents and that that parenting relationship will continue for the rest of their children’s lives. The courses should enable participants to focus on the need for improving communication between themselves and providing strategies for achieving it. The courses are usually delivered in small groups of people also going through the court process and are usually free of charge.

If you are separating, or have separated, from your partner and would like advice in relation to the financial and/or children issues arising out of that separation, then call me on 0113 227 0708 or email njd@stpaulschambers.com to book a conference.

Andrew offers Free Telephone Clinics during weekday evenings.

The Free 10 minute telephone clinics are open to anyone seeking legal advice. Solicitors, Paralegals and Direct Access clients welcome. Clinics are between 5pm - 6pm every week day evening. To book a slot please contact his clerk Nick on 0113 227 0708 or email njd@stpaulschambers.com

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For any advice and assistance for issues like these please do call Andrew on 0113 227 0708 or submit a comment below. Andrew will come back to you at the earliest convenience.