This week sees the launch of the latest campaign on behalf on Family Law organisation Resolution, targeted at raising awareness of the detrimental impact a parental break up can have on a child. Family Dispute Resolution Week actively encourages parents going through a divorce or a separation to seek non confrontational outcomes, allowing former partners to remain on amicable terms for the benefit of their children.
Resolution conducted a survey of 4,031 adults and 500 young people aged between 14 and 22 who had witnessed their parents go through a divorce or separation. The results make for uncomfortable reading highlighting the emotional impact separation can have on a child’s education and home life.
The survey revealed that a parental breakup had an adverse effect on a child’s education with many feeling they under performed in exams due to their parents divorce. 65% of young people asked believed their GCSE results were affected, with a further 44% saying that their A Levels also suffered.
Perhaps the most worrying response from the survey was how divorce or separation were being used as a tool of manipulation in the private sphere of the family home. The survey exposed the additional stresses on young people who felt that undue pressure was being unfairly placed upon them as a result of their parent’s separation. A third of teens and young adults confided that their parents had tried to turn them against the other parent, often employing manipulative tactics to secure an advantage over issues regarding where they should live. Worryingly, 1 in 4 also revealed that their parents had actively tried to involve them in their dispute.
Divorce and separation have become all too familiar. The Resolution survey reminds us that every step much be taken to ensure that children are protected emotionally from the adverse impact their parent’s separation can have on their well being.
Here at Farleys Solicitors our experienced Family Law team are members of the Resolution and are dedicated to finding non confrontational alternatives for parents going through a separation or divorce. We maintain the child’s emotional well being at the heart of what we do, encouraging dispute resolution that takes place outside the boundaries of the court room.
If you require further information regarding separation or divorce please don’t hesitate to contact one of our award winning Family Law solicitors on 0845 050 1958, or email us. Alternatively we also run a free Family Law clinic at our Blackburn and Burnley offices each Thursday from 4:30pm-6:30pm which operates on a drop in basis.