Announcing sponsorship to support our local grass roots football club
Proud to Sponsor Our Local Football Club!
We're thrilled to announce that Jeanette Birch Solicitors is now the proud sponsor of Sandbach United Football Club via it’s Community Club App over a period of 2 years! We’re supporting both the male and female adult and junior teams, as they show incredible passion, determination, and skill on and off the field.
As a local family law firm, we believe in the importance of community and teamwork. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting not only the legal needs of families, but also the growth and success of local talent!
Also having had 2 children playing with the Club previously we are well aware of the super structure and organisation within the club making football accessible and fun.
You can keep up with all the team updates and match highlights through the Club's Community App and the website . It's a great way to stay connected with all the action and cheer on our local heroes!
Here’s to a season full of wins, teamwork, and community spirit.
Exciting Announcement - Jeanette Birch Solicitors joins South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
We are thrilled to announce that Jeanette Birch Solicitors has officially become a proud member of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2025!
This partnership marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to serving our local community and growing our network. As a family law practice, we understand the importance of building strong relationships and supporting the well-being of families within our area. Joining the Chamber allows us to collaborate with like-minded businesses and contribute to the success of the local economy while continuing to offer expert legal services to those in need.
We look forward to working closely with fellow members, sharing insights, and contributing to the ongoing growth of South Cheshire. We believe this partnership will help us better serve our clients and the wider community.
Here’s to new beginnings, exciting opportunities, and continued success!
How to Co-Parent Effectively After Divorce and Separation : Tips for 2025
The Burning Man Sculpture
How to Co-Parent Effectively After Divorce and Separation : Tips for 2025
Divorce is undoubtedly a difficult and emotional experience, but when children are involved, the challenges of maintaining a healthy, positive environment for them can feel even more daunting. Co-parenting after divorce requires patience, open communication, and a commitment to putting the children's well-being first. As we move into 2025, there are several strategies that parents can use to ensure a successful co-parenting relationship that benefits everyone involved.
1. Open and Respectful Communication
One of the most important aspects of effective co-parenting is clear, consistent, and respectful communication between both parents. Misunderstandings or poor communication can lead to conflict, and this is something both parents should aim to avoid—especially in front of the children.
Tips for improving communication:
Keep it child-focused: Always focus on what is in the best interests of your children when discussing plans or issues.
Use neutral language: Avoid blaming, accusing, or using inflammatory language. Instead, use language that fosters a collaborative approach.
Regular updates: Share important updates about the children's school, health, or social activities, and keep each other informed about any changes in schedules.
Stay calm and composed: If emotions run high, take a step back. When possible, try to have discussions in writing (e.g., emails or messages) to avoid heated exchanges.
2. Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries
After divorce, boundaries need to be set not just for the children but also between co-parents themselves. Healthy boundaries help to reduce confusion and ensure that both parents know their roles and responsibilities.
Tips for setting boundaries:
Stick to a consistent schedule: Consistency provides children with stability, so make sure both parents agree on a clear and regular parenting schedule. This includes time spent with each parent, school runs, and important milestones.
Respect each other’s personal time: It’s essential to respect each other’s time away from parenting duties. Parents need time to recover and recharge, which ultimately helps them be better parents when they are with their children.
Avoid oversharing personal issues: It’s important to respect boundaries around personal matters. Your co-parenting relationship should remain focused on the children’s needs rather than personal grievances or disagreements.
3. Prioritise Your Children's Well-being
In the midst of navigating your own emotions, it’s easy to forget that the most important priority is the well-being of your children. The divorce process can be overwhelming for them, and how you co-parent can have a significant impact on their emotional and psychological development. It's essential to prioritise their needs and make every effort to ensure they feel secure, loved, and supported by both parents.
Tips for prioritising your children's well-being:
Keep the children out of conflicts: Never use your children as intermediaries between you and your ex-spouse. Avoid discussing adult issues or problems in front of them. Let them feel free to love both parents without the burden of taking sides.
Validate their feelings: Divorce can be a confusing and emotional time for children, so be sure to acknowledge their feelings and offer reassurance. Encourage open dialogue, and let them express how they feel.
Maintain routines and stability: Children thrive on routine, so try to keep familiar structures in place as much as possible. This includes school schedules, extracurricular activities, and family traditions.
Collaborate on parenting decisions: Major decisions like schooling, medical care, or vacations should ideally be made collaboratively. When possible, both parents should work together and discuss the best interests of the children rather than making unilateral decisions.
4. Flexibility and Compromise
Co-parenting will often require flexibility. Life happens, and sometimes plans need to be adjusted. It’s important to be willing to compromise for the sake of the children, as rigid thinking can often lead to conflict.
Tips for maintaining flexibility:
Be open to changes: Life events such as work commitments, illness, or travel plans may require adjustments to the parenting schedule. Approach changes with a willingness to work together.
Stay flexible during holidays and special events: Holidays can be particularly challenging for divorced families. Work together to ensure that the children are able to spend quality time with both parents during these important occasions, even if it means compromising on the exact dates or locations.
5. Seek Support When Necessary
Co-parenting can be complex, and you may need additional support to make it work. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a mediator, therapist, or other professional if you encounter difficulties in your co-parenting relationship.
Where to seek support:
Family mediation services: These services can help you and your ex-spouse work through disputes and find mutually agreeable solutions. Mediators can help you resolve conflict in a constructive way, which benefits everyone involved, particularly the children.
Therapy for children and parents: Professional support can help you and your children manage any emotional difficulties resulting from the divorce. Therapy can also help you develop effective communication strategies and emotional coping skills.
Conclusion
Co-parenting after a divorce can be challenging, but with clear communication, established boundaries, and a shared focus on your children's well-being, it is entirely possible to build a positive and effective co-parenting relationship. Remember that, in the end, your children’s happiness, stability, and security should always be the primary focus.
As we move into 2025, embrace a mindset of collaboration and support. If you’re finding it difficult to navigate co-parenting on your own, it’s always advisable to seek legal or professional advice to ensure that both you and your children’s needs are met. With patience, cooperation, and a shared commitment to your children’s future, successful co-parenting is within reach.
Bear in mind solicitors who are member of Resolution, an organisation for family lawyers that is committed to a non-confrontational approach supporting families to reduce and manage conflict and confrontation. The Resolution Code reflects this and demonstrates where your Solicitor is coming from in trying to support you in this process.
The January Divorce Boom - The Reasons Why
The January Divorce Boom:
Why the Start of the Year Sees a Surge in Breakups
As we welcome the new year, many of us make resolutions to improve our lives, whether it's getting healthier, learning a new skill, or achieving career goals. However, for some, January marks a difficult time when personal relationships come under intense scrutiny, leading to a rise in divorce enquiries. The so-called "January Divorce Boom" has become a noticeable trend in the legal world, with family lawyers reporting a significant increase in divorce enquiries after the holiday season. But what’s behind this annual spike, and what can couples expect if they’re considering divorce in the new year?
1. The Post-Holiday Realisation
The period between Christmas and New Year is often a time for families to come together. For many, it’s a chance to enjoy quality time with loved ones, create new memories, and reflect on the year past. However, for some couples, it can also magnify underlying issues in their relationship. Long periods of togetherness—combined with financial pressures, emotional strain, or unresolved conflicts—can lead to heightened tension and feelings of frustration.
The contrast between the holiday season and the start of the new year can prompt individuals to re-evaluate their personal lives. If couples have been struggling with their marriage, the festive period may provide the final push toward seeking divorce. With emotions running high, people often decide that the time has come to make a change, and divorce becomes an option.
2. The Influence of New Year’s Resolutions
The new year often symbolizes a fresh start. People use this time to set personal goals, which can include reevaluating their relationships. Some individuals may have been delaying divorce due to concerns about timing or the emotional toll it might cause, but the idea of a “clean slate” in January can encourage them to finally take action. The psychological significance of the new year as a moment to make big changes plays a powerful role in prompting divorce enquiries.
Additionally, New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on self-improvement and prioritising personal happiness. If a person feels trapped in an unhappy or toxic marriage, the decision to seek divorce may stem from a desire to move forward and live a more fulfilled life. January, as the beginning of the year, feels like the ideal time to make a break and take control of their future.
3. Financial Clarity After the Holidays
The financial strain of the holiday season can often exacerbate issues within a marriage, particularly if one or both partners feel stressed about money. The post-Christmas period can lead to a clearer perspective on financial matters, including the potential financial implications of staying in a marriage or getting a divorce. For some, understanding the costs involved—whether through discussions with a solicitor or reflecting on their financial situation—can trigger a decision to separate.
In some cases, couples may have been living in a state of financial uncertainty due to job losses, rising costs of living, or debt. When the holiday bills arrive in January, this financial reality can prompt one or both partners to assess whether they want to continue the marriage or pursue divorce. For others, the idea of restructuring their finances post-divorce might seem more appealing than trying to navigate the complexities of a troubled relationship.
4. Legal and Practical Considerations
For those contemplating divorce, January is often the best time to act. Many people wait until after the holidays to avoid disrupting family celebrations, especially if children are involved. Once the holiday period has passed, individuals may feel that they can take the next step with less emotional turmoil.
From a legal standpoint, January is also a time when family solicitors often find themselves with more capacity to take on new cases. This is partly because the build-up to the holiday season often sees a temporary slow-down in legal proceedings. Now, with the fresh start of a new year, clients are more likely to seek legal advice about the next steps in their relationship.
5. The Impact of the Divorce Process
If you’re considering divorce, it’s important to understand that it’s a serious and sometimes complex process. While January may feel like the right time to move forward, it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset and seek professional legal advice. A divorce can have long-lasting emotional, financial, and practical implications, especially if children or shared assets are involved.
When considering divorce, it’s important to think about the following:
Children: If children are involved, the welfare of your children will be a primary concern. Custody arrangements, visitation, and child support will need to be addressed.
Division of Assets: Sorting out shared property, assets, and debts can be challenging and require the guidance of a family lawyer to ensure a fair settlement.
Spousal Maintenance: In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to financial support from the other following the divorce.
Emotional Support: Divorce can be emotionally draining. It’s crucial to have a support system in place, whether that means friends, family, or professional counsellors.
6. Seeking Professional Help
If you are considering divorce in the new year, it’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible. A solicitor will be able to guide you through the legal aspects of divorce, explain your rights, and help you make informed decisions that are best for you and your family.
We understand that divorce can be an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. We will support you throughout the process and ensure that your interests are protected.
Conclusion
While the "January Divorce Boom" might seem like a trend, it’s a reflection of how many individuals use the start of the year to make significant changes in their personal lives. If you’re considering divorce, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your decision, understand the legal process, and seek the necessary advice to make informed choices. At the end of the day, the new year can be an opportunity to embrace new beginnings—whether that means working on your marriage or taking the first step toward a new chapter in your life.
If you would like advice on divorce or any related matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
Navigating the Nativity - Tips for separated parents
Christmas can be a difficult time for separated parents emotionally and practically. These tips will help make the process smoother for everyone especially the children.
1. Start planning early – the earlier you start the easier it will be and the more time you will have to agree arrangements. Try to include who has the children on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and any special events for either parent. Work out how you split the time and whether these arrangements should be alternated each year moving forward.
2. Create a fair schedule – this is an important time for children especially when they are small so try to give each parent equal time if possible. You can do this by
a) Alternating holidays including the special days
b) Splitting days for example Christmas Day, Christmas Eve
c) Alternate the traditions such as where the children have Christmas Dinner
3. Focus on the children – make this as easy as possible for them in the following ways
a) Involve them in the decisions if they are old enough
b) Maintain consistency in each household with bedtime routines as an example
c) Stay flexible understanding that sometimes plans may need to change for emotional or practical reasons
4. Have clear communication – be clear and respectful with each other and look at detail such as
a) Travel times
b) Pick up and drop off times
c) Any changes to normal routine
d) Setting boundaries for what will happen
5. Share traditions and presents – traditions may change but there can still be a co-parenting approach such as
a) Buying shared presents to children from both parents
b) Split traditions such as one parent leading Christmas Eve movie night and one leading Christmas morning breakfast
c) Have video calls on the days when the children are with the other parent
6. Consider practicalities – such as travel especially if parents live some distance apart and that may impact the plans. Plan the travel, pick up and drop off times and who will be responsible for the children’s belongings. Think about whether the children will take any newly received presents with them to the other parents home.
7. Be mindful of wider family relationships – it can be difficult if new partners are now involved but always bear the children in mind and keep them from the adult issues. The children need to feel supported by both parents and their wider families such as grandparents, aunties and uncles etc. If everyone stays respectful the children will benefit from that.
8. Be positive with the children – acknowledge that they may be upset about being separated from one parent at any time. Christmas can be tough for children as well as adults especially the first Christmas after separation. Offer plenty of hugs and gentle reminders that both parents love them.
There are plenty of ways to access help in planning for children at this time and for the rest of the year if you can’t agree what the arrangements should be including mediators and by getting legal advice. Any advice should be aimed at keeping you out of the family court if possible and going there only as a last resort but if you can follow these tips you will have a great starting point for the future over Christmas and setting yourself up for success in the New Year.