Co-parenting

Co-parenting

Co-parenting simply refers to a situation whereby where adults share the duties of parenting a child. A common example might be when a separated or divorced mother and father share legal and physical custody of their child.

However, with an increasing number of adults choosing to create families in different ways, adults who are not involved in a relationship or traditional family structure are choosing to raise a child together.

Many people choose co-parenting over sperm donation or surrogacy, because there is an intention for all adults to have an ongoing role in the child’s upbringing. Also, co-parenting arrangements can be between 2, 3 or even 4 adults.

Here are some examples of co-parenting arrangements:

• A man and a woman who are not in a relationship but choose to raise a child together
• A gay couple and a single woman who choose to raise a child together
• A lesbian couple and a gay man who choose to raise a child together
• A gay couple and a lesbian couple, who choose to raise a child together

Our team of specialist solicitors are experienced in advising individuals and families on co-parenting arrangements.

A successful arrangement is founded on the principle that co-parents support each other as parents, and focus on the needs of their children. We can help put plans in place that formalise the arrangement, setting out key aspects of how the child will be raised to reduce the scope for conflict between the co-parents in the future.

We can also advise you if you are in a co-parenting arrangement and there is a dispute or uncertainty regarding your legal position or responsibilities.

We can help with:

• Putting in place a Co-parenting Agreement (also referred to as a Parenting Plan or Parenting Agreement)
• Advising you on Legal Parenthood and Parental Responsibility
• Co-parenting disputes (including those involving arrangements to see the child)

For a confidential, no-obligation conversation with one of our creating families experts Gemma Hope, Charlotte Plowman, Hattie Gibson, Eleanor Pollard and Mimi Hadley please contact us.

If you would like an appointment with one of our specialists in Brighton, London, Horsham, Kent, Essex, North Hampshire & Surrey or South/Mid Hampshire then please contact us on 0330 055 2234.