28 Te Modern Family Family Finance & Legal


Think of the children


Four divorce experts reveal their best advice for how to navigate proceedings (and daily life) when you have children. Words: Kushie Amin


grow accustomed to the stability of family life and any sudden changes can cause uncertainty. It’s crucial parents recognise and address its impact, while also considering the practicalities that lie ahead. Here are the key aspects experts say you should consider.


D


Communicate openly and honestly Parents can better navigate their own emotions while supporting their kids, believes Dr Manpreet Dhuffar- Pottiwal, a chartered psychologist, who works with families experiencing divorce. But when discussing the separation, keep the story simple and be explicit that it isn’t their fault. Children may also understandably


feel insecure about their relationship with both parents at this time. “Try reassuring children that they’re loved and supported by you both to help mitigate these feelings,” Dr Dhuffar- Pottiwal adds. Jan Galloway from law firm Moore


Barlow also advises both parents to maintain a united front: “Let them watch you two role model a positive relationship as their parents, even though you’re apart.”


Monitor behaviour at school “Keep an eye on any changes in your child’s behaviour,” suggests Amanda Bell, a family and divorce lawyer and co-founder of divorce app Separate Space. “Tis can help identify if they’re coping with the changes at home.” Schools are experienced with


IMAGE: GETTY


handling confidential issues and should be well equipped to help support your child at this time. “If teachers know what’s going on at


Promotional Content • Saturday 8th February 2025


ivorce is a life-changing event, which not only affects parents but children, too. Children


home, they can better understand and respond to any changes,” Amanda says.


Sort practical arrangements early “When one parent has moved out, the children’s usual routine is disrupted causing instability,” says Amanda. Changes such as a new school pick- up, weekend plans or after-school activities can all impact their sense of security. Jayne Hunt, family law partner at


Howells Solicitors, agrees: “Shared arrangements are often in a child’s best interest, but they require real cooperation.” She advises: “Create a detailed parenting plan to manage schedules and decisions. Both parents must remain flexible and committed to minimising conflict.”


Get ahead on child maintenance “I’d always recommend that the paying parent is proactive about child maintenance, says Amanda. “Confirm the amount payable and set up a standing order.” It’s a legal requirement to financially support your children and this can set your co-parenting relationship off on the right footing. Child maintenance is calculated by


the government’s Child Maintenance Service using a formula based on a number of factors: the gross income (after pension contributions) of the paying parent, the number of children the parent is paying for, the number of nights each year the child/children spends with the paying parent, and whether the paying parent cares for children from another relationship. “Te good news is you don’t need


to work through the formula yourself because there’s an easy-to-use online calculator on the government website,” says Amanda.


Secure your digital legacy and gift a lifetime of memories


Few people want to think about dying. But when you do, what happens to your digital assets?


memories etched in photos; the stories you’ve posted. It’s all your subscrip- tions, bank details, emails, insurance policies and even your bills. If you own an online business, it’s every product you’ve uploaded and every customer you’ve served. But a survey by consumer


Y


platform Which? revealed that just 3% of its members had left instructions in their Will on how to unlock their digital assets. Without those details, it could take a court order to access some accounts. Ease the burden on loved ones


by ensuring access to your digital assets with the adeus digital vault; it’s simple, secure and free. For peace of mind, upgrade


to create your


digital Will and unify your online and offline legacy.


Scan the QR code and download our free guide – Protecting your Digital Legacy


Visit adeuslife.com


our online legacy is more than just a timeline of liking cat videos and memes. It’s the


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44