Good Divorce Week 2025: Putting Children First in Separation

Good Divorce Week 2025 November 2025 in the UK. Organised by Resolution, this annual campaign brings together family lawyers, mediators and professionals to promote a kinder, more constructive approach to separation and divorce.

What Is Good Divorce Week?

Good Divorce Week is all about encouraging a less confrontational approach to separation. Instead of focusing on “winning” or “losing,” the campaign highlights ways families can resolve issues cooperatively — with the needs of children at the heart of every decision.

This year’s theme, “Embracing a Child-Focused Approach to Separation,” aims to help parents manage relationship breakdowns in a way that supports their children’s emotional wellbeing.

Why It Matters

Divorce can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. When conflict escalates, children are often caught in the middle. Resolution’s campaign reminds separating couples that it is possible to have a “good divorce” — one where communication, respect, and understanding replace blame and hostility.

Some pointers:

Keep the child’s needs at the centre

Separate your child’s needs from your own. Ask, “What does my child need right now?” rather than “What do I want?”
Focus on stability and routine — children feel safer when their day-to-day life (school, friends, activities) changes as little as possible.
Remember that children benefit from healthy relationships with both parents, unless there are safety concerns.

Communicate thoughtfully

Tell your child together (if possible): Plan what to say, keep it simple, and be clear that the separation is not their fault.
Be honest but age-appropriate:
- Younger kids need reassurance and simple explanations.
- Teens can handle more detail but still need emotional support.
Avoid blaming or criticizing the other parent in front of your child — it puts them in an impossible position.

Co-parent respectfully

Keep communication with your ex-partner business-like and focused on the children (“child-centred communication”).
Avoid using your child as a messenger or spy.
Create a consistent parenting plan so the child knows what to expect and both parents are on the same page about routines, discipline, and expectations.
Attend family mediation if needed — it can help keep the focus on the child rather than on conflict.

Support your child emotionally

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and listen without judgment.
Reassure them that it’s okay to love both parents.
Be patient: regression or acting out can be normal responses to big change.
Model emotional regulation — children learn how to cope by watching you.

Look after yourself

You can’t meet your child’s needs if you’re completely depleted. Seek support from friends, family, or counselling.
Manage conflict privately, not in front of your child.
Prioritize your own wellbeing — children feel safer when parents are calm and consistent.

Get professional guidance when needed

Family counsellors, child psychologists, or parenting coordinators can help you maintain a child-focused approach.
If safety or abuse is an issue, seek legal and protective support before encouraging contact.

By focusing on collaboration and early professional advice, families can reduce emotional distress, save costs, and build stronger co-parenting relationships for the future.

Events and Resources in 2025

Throughout Good Divorce Week, Resolution members across the UK will offer free resources, events and advice sessions.

One highlight this year is the New Beginnings Workshop in Bournemouth on Wednesday 12 November 2025 (9:15 am – 2:15 pm, The NICI, BH2 5EJ). The event features legal, financial and wellbeing experts guiding attendees through separation with a focus on co-parenting and practical planning.

Be sure to visit the websites of family law, mediation and counselling firms (especially those affiliated with Resolution) around that week – many will publish webinars, articles and free consultations.

You can also download or request relevant guides (child-focused separation; co-parenting; finance in divorce) from participating firms.

And if you’re interested in online events check platforms like DivorceRight and others for Zoom webinars.

If you’re navigating separation or know someone who is, Good Divorce Week is the perfect time to:

Access free guidance from Resolution-member firms
Learn about mediation and collaborative law as alternatives to court
Download practical resources to help you co-parent effectively
Focus on your children’s needs — emotionally, financially and practically

Our Commitment

As a firm that supports Resolution’s Code of Practice, we’re proud to champion the values behind Good Divorce Week. Our family law team believes that separation doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right support and communication, it can be the first step toward a healthier, more positive future for everyone involved.

If you’d like to speak with one of our family lawyers or mediators during Good Divorce Week, please get in touch — we’re here to help you move forward with confidence and compassion.

Good Divorce Week 2025: Putting Children First in Separation

Good Divorce Week 2025 runs from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November across the UK. Organised by Resolution, this annual campaign brings together family lawyers, mediators and professionals to promote a kinder, more constructive approach to separation and divorce.