Brighter Days Blog

There's a quiet practice happening in some separating families that rarely makes headlines, but it's become common enough that the Family Justice Council issued specific guidance against it last month: parents asking their children to record the other parent. A phone left running in a school bag. A child gently prompted to "remember what Dad says" or "tell me if Mum seems upset." If it sounds extreme, that's because it is. But in the pressure of a contested separation, it hap

Father's Day is everywhere this weekend. The cards in the supermarket, the Sunday lunch bookings, the "tag a dad" posts filling up your feed. For a lot of fathers, none of that touches them today because the children they'd be celebrating with aren't there. If that's you, this is genuinely hard, and the challenge of it is not a sign that you're failing. It's a sign that you're a father who wants to see his children and currently can't, on a day that's designed to make that ab

Divorce and relationship breakdown are estimated to cost the UK economy up to £50 billion every year. So why is it, when one in three UK marriages ends in divorce, one of the most financially and emotionally destabilising experiences a person can go through, is the workplace response still largely: nothing?

Co-parenting after separation is never going to be perfect. It’s important to remind yourself of that fact as often as you can. However, co-parenting should focus on consistency, respect, and putting your children first. I understand that many couples struggle to achieve amicable co-parenting. Often, one party is resistant to the idea. But that doesn’t mean you can’t give it your best shot. Here are ten practical ways to help you keep things calm, constructive, and child-focu

Navigating the family court system can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are going through the process without legal representation such as a solicitor or barrister to assist you. If you opt to represent yourself through choice or necessity, you’re known as a Litigant in Person. And at this point, most people quickly realise that the process is going to be complex, emotional and difficult to manage alone. This is where a McKenzie Friend can play a valuable role.

As the year draws to a close, many of us naturally take a moment to pause, reflect, and plan for what lies ahead. For those navigating separation or divorce, this time of year can bring mixed emotions - relief, uncertainty, hope and sometimes grief. It’s a moment to acknowledge the progress made, however small, and to set intentions for the year ahead.