How to arrange child contact after a divorce

If you’re a parent who’s going through a divorce, it’s only natural to be concerned about what life might look like for you and your children going forward.

Every divorce is different and the way families handle it will vary. Reports suggest that some families are adopting a ‘birdnesting’ approach to help their children feel at ease. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Arranging child contact after a divorce can be tricky and especially if the communication between you and your ex-partner breaks down. The goal is to create a routine that works for you, your ex-partner and most importantly, your child. Ideally, you will come to an agreement yourselves, otherwise, you can use family mediation or a solicitor. Here’s what you might want to consider.

Importance of child contact

Depending on the circumstances and assuming it is safe to do so, it is encouraged for children to see both parents regularly following a divorce. A divorce can be an extremely distressing event in a child’s life, so it’s important for them to know that both their parents love them and are there to support them.

Organise living arrangements

Stability is important in times of great change. You and your ex-partner should work together to determine the best living arrangements for your child. In many instances, the best option might be for the child to stay in the home they have grown up with so they can continue their day-to-day routine without too much disturbance. Then, they might visit the other parent on dedicated days. You might find it helpful to write down the arrangements so that the two of you have something to follow.

Seek advice

The emotional turmoil that a divorce brings can make it difficult to make decisions. It can be hard to remove emotion from the decisions you have to make, which could compromise the best outcome for your child. Many couples choose to work with a family law solicitor that specialises in divorce to establish the finer details for this reason. Good legal support will offer the professionalism and compassion needed for your particular case, whatever that looks like.

Child-centred communication

Speaking to your children about divorce requires careful consideration, and the way you communicate beyond this is equally important. Be mindful of whether your child overhears heated conversations between you and your ex-partner. It’s important to treat each other respectfully so that they feel more at ease under the new circumstances.

At the same time, you should maintain frequent and open communication with your child, allowing them to voice whatever is on their mind. When making arrangements, don’t shy away from asking them how you can make the process easier.

If you need professional, legal advice, you may want to seek help from specialist family law solicitors. Experts in this area are specially trained to handle sensitive family matters, giving you added peace of mind.