A Child Focused Lens is paramount when separating or divorcing

In Episode 2 of Dear Divorce Diaries, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins discuss one of the most critical topics in family law: co-parenting after separation. With years of courtroom experience, they explain why only a small percentage of cases actually need to go to trial, and why many families would benefit from avoiding court entirely—both emotionally and financially.Daz and Jop focus on keeping the child at the centre of every decision, explaining that even if parents hate each other, they still share a lifelong responsibility to their children. They reference the “Tommy” film used in US family courts to illustrate the damage children experience when parents fight.Daz & Jop share practical tools for better co-parenting, including:Parenting courses (such as Tuning into Kids/Teenagers)Psychological support and mindfulnessRegular “iron-out” sessions to revisit parenting plansMediation and why two-day mediations are often more effectiveCo-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard and AppCloseThey also highlight common pitfalls that cause conflict, including:Social media denigrationInvolving new partners in the conflictUsing children as weapons during changeoversDisputes about child support and spendingRigid parenting schedules that ignore child developmentThe episode concludes with a reminder that children are impacted by conflict long into adulthood, and that co-parenting is about behaviour—not feelings. Even if parents can’t stand each other, they can still learn to behave respectfully for the sake of their kids.Key Topics CoveredWhy court is not always necessaryThe “child-focused lens” conceptParenting courses and toolsThe harm of public conflict on social mediaThe importance of communication boundariesWhy co-parenting requires workManaging changeovers calmlyThe benefits of mediationUsing parenting apps to reduce conflictWhy schedules must adapt as children growThe long-term impact of conflict on kidsWhen a relationship ends, it can feel like the world is breaking apart — legally, emotionally and practically. The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast exists to guide you through that difficult landscape with clarity, compassion and a child-focused mindset.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.They believe that families deserve dignity, children deserve protection, and adults deserve guidance that is calm, respectful and grounded in expertise rather than conflict.And because no two separations look the same, you can be part of the conversation.Listeners are invited to submit their questions for Daz & Jop, with future episodes dedicated to answering real experiences, real challenges and real concerns from the people who need guidance most.Whether you’re contemplating separation, navigating court, co-parenting, or simply trying to put your children first through the uncertainty — The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast offers steady, professional guidance to help reshape the path ahead.Real law. Real families. Real conversations.Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.