No ‘Holly, Jolly Christmas’ for parents separated from children

AS THE famous festive song crooned by Andy Williams proclaims ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ but not for all families says a unique legal service (December 2019).

Children in the Middle warns of Christmas heartache for estranged parents and asks others to spare a thought for those who are prevented from seeing their children this yuletide.

Family barrister, Elizabeth McCallum, who co-founded the legal service with her fellow Exeter barrister Sarah Evans, says: “It’s important to remember that not everyone will be having such a ‘Holly, Jolly Christmas’ this year despite the cute and idyllic cards you’re sending and receiving, the adverts showing cosy family scenes and the images of the ‘perfect Christmas’ shared on Instagram and Facebook. 

“While it can be joyous for those spending time together, creating wonderful memories, for some parents it may be harder if they are apart from their children.

“Christmas Day, like birthdays and other specials events, is an occasion that highlights the heartache for those separated from their loved ones, and it’s not just parents who may be suffering, it is also vital to look at everything from the child’s point of view.

“The child may have issues related to their behaviour and be feeling insecure as a result of their parents’ separation or divorce. Also, experiences of loss can affect how children deal with relationships later in life. So, while it’s not difficult to focus on how you feel as a parent, the child has to come first when it comes to making contact arrangements.”

Children in the Middle is the only practice solely specialising in offering separating or divorcing parents, wishing to make arrangements to see their children, direct access to barristers*, inside and outside court, nationally in England and Wales. 

“Most separated parents will have already organised the arrangements for the Christmas holiday period and will be looking forward to the festivities. For some separated parents however, the arrangements are still being discussed and perhaps, an agreement feels a long way off.  

“Christmas is one of the most difficult times of the year for separated parents, so we offer some simple and sensible tips to help ensure amicable arrangements are made for the festivities. For example, if you’re not seeing your child on the ‘big day’, think about how and when you will celebrate instead. Can you have a second ‘Christmas Day’ before or after December 25? Most children are thrilled to have two ‘Christmas Days’.

“Always try and think about the arrangements from the children’s perspective – what would work best for them?”

Children in the Middle is expert in this field of law and the team has a wealth of experience in handling these complex and sensitive disputes.

Sarah, who has been a family law specialist for more than 30 years, says: “Wherever possible, we will help a parent reach a voluntary agreement with the other parent over the arrangements for their child. But, if court action is required, as barristers, we can provide the experienced representation a parent needs for every stage of the proceedings, from initial advice, drafting an application to the court, representation at hearings and preparation of witness statements and evidence. 

“However, as a parent you may just need one meeting with us, so we can give you advice and guidance on the best way forward for you and your child.”

Sarah has a wealth of experience having spent time as a family lawyer working in the USA, Scotland and London before joining Magdalen Chambers in Exeter as a barrister.

Elizabeth has practiced in this area of law for more than 14 years. She initially qualified as a barrister, then transferred to become a family solicitor. More recently, she has resumed her career as a barrister. 

Elizabeth adds: “We have more than 45 years’ combined experience in the children law field and we aim to offer creative, practical solutions in even the most difficult situations.

“Most of our work is done remotely, which means geography is not a barrier. It also means that we keep our overheads down, a benefit we can pass on to the client. What we offer is affordable, expert legal advice about your children.

“By having direct access to us, you can save money by managing your own case through handling the admin and the paperwork, while still benefitting from specialist legal advice from a barrister, who is a children’s law expert.” 

For further details, please call Children in The Middle on 0117 214 1797 or email office@childreninthemiddle.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.childreninthemiddle.co.uk.