Divorce and separation

Parenting together

If you’re splitting up, divorcing, or you’ve been separated for a while, you might find that sorting out the practicalities can feel overwhelming, especially if you have children. But helpful tools and information are available on the Cafcass website that can support you and your family.

Our section on how to co-parent can help guide you through some of the ways to reduce conflict and understand the needs of your children and how to make the best decisions for them.

We are actively working with partners in the court system to identify solutions to help reduce the increasing pressures on the family courts and to improve the experiences and outcomes for children and families. This section may support you to avoid going to court by providing tools to reduce conflict and make arrangements that both co-parents are happy with.

What to expect from Cafcass

Cafcass works with families only at the request of the court. After the court has received the application from either you or the other parent or carer, the court will usually refer the application to us. Our ‘family court case’ section outlines the role of Cafcass in court proceedings and what can be expected at hearings.