Press Release

FNF maintains that involving lawyers in parental separation results in acrimony. 

Family resolution is a more child-centred option

• Family disputes that turn litigious are rarely in the best interests of the child
• Involving the legal profession in family matters usually results in a great deal of acrimony and financial burden
• Dispute resolution through support and mediation is the way forward

Families Need Fathers expressed dismay at the news that Sir Paul and Lady McCartney have appointed expensive lawyers to handle their separation.

John Baker, Chair of UK support charity Families Need Fathers, said: “When Sir Paul and Lady McCartney first announced their separation they put out a joint statement saying it was an amicable parting and that they weren’t interested in a bitter fight. As we are now seeing however, once solicitors become involved relationships become acrimonious and the battle they are about to embark on is very likely to deflect from putting the interests of their child first. Sir Paul and Lady McCartney could be looking to mediation to resolve their differences and to ensure that their actions remain child-centred. The money they would save could be put in to trust for their daughter, or given to one of the many charities that Lord and Lady McCartney support.”

Each year around 280,000 parental couples separate and around 10% of parents use the courts to resolve contact disputes. However, it is recognised that a child's welfare is best promoted by an absence of conflict during and after separation and by continuing a relationship with both parents where possible (Green Paper on Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities).

“Time and time again we see how parental couples who were initially prepared to work together to minimise the damage of their separation, are turned against each other through the involvement of the legal profession, invariably hurting their children in the process. Children must not be allowed to become a component of the carving up of possessions; rather couples should look towards a shared parenting arrangement as a priority.

-  ENDS  -

Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1975, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

Please see Families Need Fathers ‘programme for change’ Father’s Day Manifesto