It’s not true that there is no such thing as a good divorce. Although any separation is a cause for some sadness, it’s also clear that when the couple in question is on friendly terms and doing everything in their power to base the divorce process on fairness and cooperation, then the experience can be tolerable, or even harmonious.
1. Commit at the outset to breaking up amicably. Essentially, any break-up is as amicable as both partners want it to be. Obviously, if the split is something that both partners want equally, then the chances of keeping it civil and cooperative are much, much higher. If one partner wants it less, then keeping everything on good terms becomes much harder. Just remember that you have nothing to gain by making things more difficult than they need be, and if you make things hard for your partner, you’re also making them hard
If you separate from your partner and are not married but do have children, it’s important to gain a detailed and accurate understanding of what your responsibilities are as soon as possible.
Do you have parental responsibility?
In England and Wales, fathers have parental responsibility for their children if their name is on the birth certificate and the birth was registered after December 1st 2003 or if the parents have signed a Parental Responsibility Agreement. An absent parent may also be given a parental responsibility order by a court, or a Child Arranngements Order that says that the child can live with the father. A father will acquire parental responsibility if he marries the mother. Parents have responsibilities towards their children and children have rights to have a relationship with both parents.
Parental responsibility gives you the opportunity to be included and consent to important decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, even if