Topic outline

  • Overview

    This course shows how, using resources such as Resolution's guide for parents, it is possible to help clients take control and set a child-focused agenda for the way in which the arrangements for their children are made. Thanks to OurFamilyWizard for sponsoring this training.

  • Welcome

  • Talking to clients about parenting: The parents

    This section explores some of the wider issues such as the strain on children whose parents are going through divorce and the strain on the parents themselves. It looks at the issues a lawyer needs to be considerate of when planning and conducting a first meeting with a client.

    Estimated learning time for this section: 20 minutes

    How parents communicate when going through separation and how children feel

    This video provides an example of how the emotional state of those going through separation can vary depending on where they are at in the process. This difference can hugely affect how a couple discuss sensitive issues, such as how they plan to parent their children, once they are apart.

  • Talking to clients about parenting: The Children

    In the previous video, your saw how the feelings of parents can influence the dynamic between the couple.

    In the video below you get a sense of the voice of the child whose parents are separating.

    Often the voice of the child can get lost amidst the stresses and strains of divorce. This looks at some of the typical thoughts and feelings that children can experience during and after the separation of their parents.

    "Dear Mom & Dad" was written by Monica Epperson, founder of The Child of Divorce. Monica experienced five divorces during her childhood and started The Child of Divorce to provide resources to children who are experiencing hurtful ramifications due to divorce. More resources available at http://thechildofdivorce.org/.

  • Download our resource for parents

    This guide, 'Parenting through Separation', aims to give parents access to information and support that helps them throughout their parenting journey, through separation, divorce and beyond.

    The Parenting After Parting Committee have prepared this for members to give to their clients in order to help them and their children through the separation process.

  • Getting to know your client

  • Traditional approach to the client meeting

      • Watch these examples of how to approach the subject of children and parenting with clients. 
      • In the first video, limited time is given to the subject. 
      • In the second video, the solicitor spends more time on the subject of parenting and the children.

    Estimated learning time for this section: 30 minutes

  • New approach to the client meeting

  • Putting it into practice

    This final section helps you think through what you've learnt and how you might begin to put these learnings into practice in your everyday work with clients.

    Three practitioners, Maura McKibbin, James Pirrie and Dominic Raeside, discuss the case of Janet and Pete, and how to approach the matter of parenting with clients from the very first meeting.

    Estimated learning time for this section: 40 mins

  • Further resources

    Text and media areas: 2 Pages: 2 Book: 1

  • Feedback

    URL: 1