Splitting up or getting divorced can be one of the most difficult and stressful events a family can go through. It’s easy to feel swamped or confused about what to do next.

Because of this, the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) has recently provided funding for schemes to help parents separate with less stress and conflict. In April this year, the first seven schemes were announced, and one of them, Family Matters was launched by family lawyers group Resolution, and is now available in Oxfordshire.

Family Matters is a new service, to help parents going through separation. It will enable separating or separated parents to access the advice and support they need to reach agreements together, putting the needs of their children first. Initially the service will be available in three pilot areas: Crewe, Oxford, and Newcastle upon Tyne. In Oxfordshire, Turpin & Miller LLP are delivering the service.

The service aims to help separating or separated families to:

  • Work through any problems they are facing and help find solutions.
  • Get through their break-up in a way that will cause as little disruption as possible to their children.
  • Help parents access the information and support that meets their particular needs.

Who is the service for?

It is for separating or separated parents, whether they have been together for years or just a short time. The service is free if at least one parent is in receipt of state benefit OR earning an income equivalent to, or less than, the UK living wage (£7.45 outside London).

This will ensure people who suddenly find themselves without income or financial support will be able to receive help.

In order to access the service, only one parent needs to be eligible.

How does Family Matters work?

Family Matters Guides will work with parents – either together or as individuals – who would otherwise find it hard to access the range of advice or support they need.

The Guides will be based in the offices of law firms in their local communities. They will work within their area to build relationships with local services, ensuring they can find the right support for the right parent.

The Guide will meet each parent on their own, to identify the immediate issues they need help with, and any other organisations they would like to get help from.

They will then develop a straightforward, tailored action plan, together with the parent(s). This helps parents focus their thinking and move them from a position where they don’t know where to turn, to one where they are able to access support.

Once there is a focus on practical things parents need to do, they can get to a point where they can talk to the other parent.

If possible both parents will be asked or encouraged to work together. This might include agreeing to sit down with their child or children to explain to them that they are breaking up.

Every couple is unique, and each will have their own set of needs, questions and concerns. This is why we feel that face-to-face support is the most effective way to ensure that the child’s needs remain the focus during separation.

Visit resolution.org.uk/family matters, or contact Melanie Barnes or Marjorie Clayton on 01865 770 111 or via familymatters.oxford@resolution. org.uk