Pioneering partnership makes Irwin Mitchell first UK law firm to offer specialist co-parenting programme

Irwin Mitchell has partnered with The Co-Parenting Method to become the first UK law firm to offer access to a specialist co-parenting programme at no cost to eligible family law clients.

The Co-Parenting Method is a pioneering six-step programme designed to help separated parents reduce conflict, improve communication and make better decisions for their children. It was developed by award-winning conflict resolution specialist and co-parenting expert Marcie Shaoul, following almost a decade of work with separated families.

Through the partnership, Irwin Mitchell clients will receive access to the online programme, app-based resources and a one-to-one strategy session. The initiative brings specialist co-parenting support together with the firm’s legal, mediation and collaborative law expertise.

Joanna Gosling, Senior Associate Mediator and Director of Strategic Relationships and Mediation in Irwin Mitchell’s Family Law team, said:

 

“Separation changes family life, but children should never be caught in the middle. It is not separation itself that determines the impact on children and their longer-term outcomes, but the level of conflict to which they are exposed.

 

“We’re proud to be the first UK law firm to offer clients access to this specialist co-parenting programme. It reinforces our commitment to providing holistic, child-focused support following separation and helping parents navigate the challenges that can arise while prioritising their children’s wellbeing.”

The initiative builds on Irwin Mitchell’s existing child-focused approach and the expertise of one of the UK’s largest and most experienced family and children law teams.

Irwin Mitchell shares the Children’s Commissioner for England’s open letter with clients going through divorce or separation, encouraging them to protect children from conflict and keep their wellbeing at the centre of decisions.

Joanna Gosling helped develop the letter through her work with the Family Solutions Group, which focuses on improving the experiences of children and families during separation.

Clare Wiseman, National Head of Family Law at Irwin Mitchell, said:

 

“Separation can involve complex and difficult decisions around children, finances and the family estate. Our role is to provide clear legal advice and help clients find the best way forward, whether through negotiation, other non-court dispute resolution options or court proceedings where necessary.

 

“However, legal advice is often only one part of the support families need. We’re looking forward to officially partnering with The Co-Parenting Method and providing clients with practical help to manage conflict, communicate more effectively and build a healthier co-parenting relationship.”

Marcie Shaoul, founder of The Co-Parenting Method, said:

 

“The Co-Parenting Method was created to close the gap between the legal process of separation and the emotional and practical reality families face every day.

 

“Parents are often told to put their children first, but they also need practical tools that show them how to do that when emotions are running high, trust has broken down and communication feels impossible.

 

“This partnership marks an important step forward. By combining specialist co-parenting support with Irwin Mitchell’s legal, mediation and collaborative law expertise, we can help parents reduce conflict before it becomes entrenched and build a healthier family life after separation.

 

“We are incredibly proud that Irwin Mitchell is the first UK law firm to make The Co-Parenting Method available to its clients. It represents a more progressive, practical and child-focused approach to supporting families through separation.”