{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/693111c4f36823f3a2b63fa8/69311266d6bc23eda28f10cf?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"A Child Focused Lens is paramount when separating or divorcing","description":"<p>In Episode 2 of <em>Dear Divorce Diaries</em>, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins discuss one of the most critical topics in family law: <strong>co-parenting after separation</strong>. </p><p><br></p><p>With years of courtroom experience, they explain why <strong>only a small percentage of cases actually need to go to trial</strong>, and why many families would benefit from avoiding court entirely—both emotionally and financially.</p><p><br></p><p>Daz and Jop focus on <strong>keeping the child at the centre of every decision</strong>, explaining that even if parents hate each other, they still share a lifelong responsibility to their children. They reference the <strong>“Tommy” film used in US family courts</strong> to illustrate the damage children experience when parents fight.</p><p><br></p><p>Daz &amp; Jop share practical tools for better co-parenting, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Parenting courses</strong> (such as <em>Tuning into Kids/Teenagers</em>)</li><li><strong>Psychological support and mindfulness</strong></li><li><strong>Regular “iron-out” sessions</strong> to revisit parenting plans</li><li><strong>Mediation</strong> and why two-day mediations are often more effective</li><li><strong>Co-parenting apps</strong> like <em>Our Family Wizard</em> and <em>AppClose</em></li></ul><p><br></p><p>They also highlight common pitfalls that cause conflict, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Social media denigration</strong></li><li><strong>Involving new partners in the conflict</strong></li><li><strong>Using children as weapons during changeovers</strong></li><li><strong>Disputes about child support and spending</strong></li><li><strong>Rigid parenting schedules that ignore child development</strong></li></ul><p><br></p><p>The episode concludes with a reminder that <strong>children are impacted by conflict long into adulthood</strong>, and that co-parenting is about <strong>behaviour—not feelings</strong>. Even if parents can’t stand each other, they can still learn to behave respectfully for the sake of their kids.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></p><ul><li>Why court is not always necessary</li><li>The “child-focused lens” concept</li><li>Parenting courses and tools</li><li>The harm of public conflict on social media</li><li>The importance of communication boundaries</li><li>Why co-parenting requires work</li><li>Managing changeovers calmly</li><li>The benefits of mediation</li><li>Using parenting apps to reduce conflict</li><li>Why schedules must adapt as children grow</li><li>The long-term impact of conflict on kids</li></ul><p><br></p><p>When a relationship ends, it can feel like the world is breaking apart — legally, emotionally and practically. <em>The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast</em> exists to guide you through that difficult landscape with clarity, compassion and a child-focused mindset.</p><p><br></p><p>Each episode, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins draw on their extensive experience within the family law system to unpack what separation and divorce really look like — not just on paper, but in real life.</p><p>They believe that families deserve dignity, children deserve protection, and adults deserve guidance that is calm, respectful and grounded in expertise rather than conflict.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>And because no two separations look the same, <em>you</em> can be part of the conversation.</strong></p><p>Listeners are invited to submit their questions for Daz &amp; Jop, with future episodes dedicated to answering real experiences, real challenges and real concerns from the people who need guidance most.</p><p>Whether you’re contemplating separation, navigating court, co-parenting, or simply trying to put your children first through the uncertainty — The <em>Dear Divorce Diary Podcast</em> offers steady, professional guidance to help reshape the path ahead.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Real law. Real families. Real conversations.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone.</p>","author_name":"Darren Mort-Family Law Barrister & Joplin Higgins-Family Law Solicitor"}