Our Francine Bristo considers how best to tell the children you are separating.

During separation most children feel powerless finding themselves forced to accept change in which they have had no say.  Children find it hard to raise the subject with their parents but they want to be consulted and listened to.

Children usually want to know why their parents are separating.  Set aside some time to tell the children together at home if possible.  Reassure and repeat.  Think carefully about how you will explain this to them, saying that you no longer love each other could cause the child to worry that their parents may stop loving them too.  When discussing the separation with your children it is important to make clear that it is an adult decision and the child is not responsible.  Children benefit from being told that it doesn’t mean that it will change their relationship with each

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

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 rights 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. You will also have responsibility if there was no father listed before this date but you were added later, or if you have signed a Parental Responsibility Agreement. You may also be given a parental responsibility order by a court, or a Residence Order that says that the child can live with you. You will gain it if you go on to marry the mother, but you won’t automatically be given it if their mother dies and you are not married. If a civil partnership ends,