YOUR FAMILY

Generally, family members are the best support that you can hope for. Whether it’s your parents, or brothers and sisters (if they are old enough), these immediate family members can provide a raft of support. Clearly, unless they themselves have been separated, and in the position you are in, then they may have limited knowledge of how best to help. But families are the best source of aid in terms of emotional and physical support. You may need a place to stay whilst you are separating, you may need a place to bring the kids when you have access to them. Parents are also the best emotional support, as their love for you will help you feel good again, as well as ensuring that you have a shoulder to lean on.

Family members can also be used as a third party if you have to get messages to your ex-partner; you just need to make sure that the person you use is trusted by your ex. And families can help in loads of other ways:

• helping you to look after the kids when you have access;
• joining you on holidays with the kids to add to the fun;
• financially, they may be able to bridge a gap in your funds;
• providing someone to talk to – who cares about your situation.