In the United Kingdom approximately 30% of children experience their parents’ separation. Many parents and professionals advocate that it is in the child’s best interests to experience ‘shared care’ (i.e., a minimum of 30% of the parenting time is allocated to each parent – for example, seeing a parent at least 2 days a week). Yet, the evidence exploring links between different post-separation parenting arrangements and children’s wellbeing is largely based on studies outside of the UK that compare outcomes for children in shared care with a primary residence. Furthermore, the voices of children under eight and of families who make arrangements outside of the family courts have been largely overlooked. Informed by work with families and stakeholders (including mediators, charities, family-support professionals, solicitors, barristers), this multi-method project aims to increase understanding of family life and children’s adjustment and experiences of post-separation parenting in Scottish and English families. It is hoped that the study findings will inform recommendations on how best to support parents and children in England and Scotland post separation/divorce.

The project has been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council [ES/X013480/1].