Holbeach solicitor gives advice on Parenting Agreements after separation

Here's the fortnightly Legal-ease column by Mossop & Bowser solicitors...

Separation from your partner does not stop the need to make important decisions for your children’s lives. Education, where your child will live, and who they can see, are three of many factors that separated parents with children have to consider. Having a Parenting Agreement can help parents plan for practical issues.

A huge benefit of a Parenting Agreement is the amount parents will save on costs - as it will eliminate the expense of going to court and obtaining an order. It can also keep parents in an amicable relationship for the benefit of their child. Court proceedings can put a strain on the relationship between parents and can be considered a hostile course of action when arguing what each parent believes is right for their child. This being said, although a Parenting Agreement is a good first resort, parents should also know that it is not legally binding in the same way a court order is. This means that if you find the agreement isn’t working out, you can consider starting court proceedings instead.

A Parenting Agreement is signed by both parties as confirmation to the contents.

In doing so, they are committing to doing what is in the best interests of their child.

There are clear guidelines and routines established for raising the child, these guidelines can be used by extended families to help them understand how the children’s parents are enforcing proper routine and care.

A Parenting Agreement can, for example, include:

• Collection to and from school;
• Holiday arrangements;
• Time spent with each parent;
• Medical care.

For more information call 01406 422 651 and ask to speak to Family Lawyer Nick Robertshaw.