Expert Advises That Families Must Work Together

Separated Parents have been urged by a Manchester-based family law expert to not make this Mother’s Day a battleground - for the sake of their children.

Falling on Sunday (April 3rd) this year, the day is seen as an ideal time for youngsters to celebrate and spend quality time with their mums. Because of this, a specialist at Irwin Mitchell has called on warring couples to keep their children in mind and be flexible over arrangements.

Elizabeth Hicks, Family Law Partner at the law firm’s Manchester office, said: “It is always important for children to see their mother on the day, but the complexity of modern family life does unfortunately mean it can be an issue fraught with potential stress.

“While it is often hard for separated couples to organise anything together, we would urge them to cooperate and arrange for mum to see the children for at least an hour or even for Sunday lunch.”

The expert added that such a move feeds into wider relationship issues seen across the year, not just on dates like Mother’s or Father’s Day.

“When there are applications to court regarding children, the Courts can now order parents to attend parent information seminars so that the parents realise how important it is for them to co-parent even after separation and divorce. The parent information seminars are focussed on the parents realising that they still need to put their child or children first and that the child is a product of both of them.” Elizabeth outlined.

Concluding with advice on Mother’s Day, Elizabeth added: “Divorce can be a stressful time and separations can often lead to bitter disputes. However, being amicable and flexible can ensure that special days in the calendar go off without a hitch.

“So, dads, do something nice for Mother’s Day and ensure that both the children and their mother have a great time.”