Life coaching and looking after your wellbeing
The life coaches we work with are passionate about helping people make positive change. Whether it is self-confidence or loss of identity or just needing some time to reflect. Our coaches are happy to have an initial free discussion to see how they can help.
Parenting support and looking after your children’s wellbeing
Parenting is the most important job we do. Like every job we won’t always get it right but with some planning, guidance and most importantly love and reassurance you will be able to help your children adjust to change. Children undoubtedly cope better with a separation when their parents are not in conflict and can see a joined-up approach to their parenting.
Our suggestions to help you look after your children and resources we recommend:
A parenting plan is a written plan worked out between parents (and sometimes other family members) covering the practical arrangements of co-parenting. For an example of a parenting plan see Cafcass parenting plan or download the template here
For help parenting your children through separation see Cafcass guide to listening to your child’s voice after separation
Our Family Wizard
Our Family Wizard app is a centralised place where all communication can take place between separated parents. You can diarise contact arrangements and schedule holidays and events using a colour coded calendar.
There is an expenses section where you can request payments from the other parent to avoid the need for confusing spreadsheets, along with a section for miscellaneous items such as medical records and clothing sizes. You can also add a GPS verified log of your arrival at changeovers and other locations and share pictures of milestones if you wish.
The aim of the app is to help parents to co-parent better, keeping communication child focused whilst promoting positive communication. It is court approved and often ordered by the court as the recommended communication app between separated parents. You can also add your legal team to the app if you wish.
Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to the different ways people can resolve disputes without going to court. A combination of ADR processes can be used during a dispute, or they can be used alongside litigation. We will guide you through the different pathways to reach a resolution, as well as being expert litigators should court proceedings be necessary.
Resources we recommend
To find a mediator follow the links below:
Child Inclusive Mediation | National Family Mediation (nfm.org.uk)
National Family Mediation - Find a mediator
To check if you will qualify for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Family mediation voucher scheme
Find a mediator authorised to take part in the voucher scheme Mediation services participating in voucher schemeLegal costs
Having to fund legal fees can be a worry and add to the pressure at an already stressful time. Accessing funds for legal fees may be difficult if assets are tied up, or income streams are for whatever reason inaccessible.
Resources we recommend:
Our guide to funding legal costs
To check if you are eligible for legal aid Check legal aid
To check if you can get help with court fees Help with court fees
Financial resources
Child maintenance
If you can agree the level and frequency of child maintenance, you can record your agreement in a written document called a child maintenance arrangement. This will not be legally binding and therefore if circumstances change it will be easy for you to review your agreement.
More information on entering into a child maintenance arrangement and a downloadable form to record your agreement can be found on the government website Child Maintenance Service.
If you need help in deciding the amount of maintenance, you can consider using the CMS assessment calculation. A child maintenance calculator using the CMS assessment calculation is available on the government website Calculate your child maintenance.
Budget planner
If you have recently separated predicting what you need to live on in the future may seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you are considering moving home. Our budget planner includes tips on how to complete your budget and will help you plan as accurately as possible for your needs and expenditure following a separation. It is important that you take the time to prepare a thorough budget as it will form the basis of negotiations or orders made by the court to meet your income needs.
Our trusted team of advisors
We have partnered with other people we know and trust and who are as good in their fields as we are in ours. Our partners can help support you with:
- Life coaching
- Counselling
- Financial advice and planning
- Mortgage advice and reports
- Pension reports and advice
- Tax and accountancy advice
- Forensic accountancy reports and advice
- Wills and estate planning
- Conveyancing and property valuations
- Education experts
If you would like us to introduce you to one of our trusted partners to see how they can help let us know.
Our helpful guides to the law
Guide to divorce, dissolution and judicial separation
Guide to international child abduction
Guide to the orders the court can make for children and the court process
Insights
Read the latest articles and commentary from Watson Morris Family Law or explore our full insights