Co-operative Parenting Consultation Response

The DoE have today launched a public consultation:

Co-operative Parenting Following Family Separation: Proposed Legislation on the Involvement of Both Parents in a Child''s Life
Launch Date: Wednesday 13 June 2012
Closing Date: Wednesday 5 September 2012
The majority of parents who separate reach their own agreements about the care arrangements for their children. However, when disputes about these arrangements arise there is a risk that children''s needs are overlooked. In too many cases one parent is left in a position where it is very hard to retain a strong and influential relationship with his or her child. The Government firmly believes that parents who are able and willing to play a positive role in their child''s care should have the opportunity to do so. The aim of the proposed legislative amendment is to ensure that this happens in court cases and to reinforce the expectation generally that both parents are jointly responsible for their children''s upbringing. The Government also believes that a tougher approach is needed in cases where court orders are breached, and it intends to explore the scope for additional enforcement sanctions for the courts. This consultation includes options and questions on how court orders in private family cases regarding the care of children can be more effectively enforced.

The full consultation document can be accessed by clicking here

Wikivorce have now submitted a response, based on the feedback received from members. You can read the response in full on thread - click here to access it. Comments on the response are welcomed on that thread.