Single Parent FAQs: Separation & Divorce

If you have no income or savings, you may be able to claim universal credit and some other benefits, more information can be found here.

Arranging contact can be difficult for newly separated families, if possible, try and arrange contact between yourselves and if this is not possible you could try mediation.

See Relationships Scotland.

As well as your home there may be other property, assets, belongings, and debts that you and your ex-partner need to consider. How your belongings and assets are divided can depend on whether you are married, in a civil partnership or living together among other things. It is always best to get advice.

The best way to arrange child maintenance payments is for both parents to agree on an amount. There is no calculation that needs to be considered if it is done this way. This informal agreement is not legally binding so it is flexible and can change when circumstances do. Unfortunately maintenance payments would not have to be backdated because there has been no arrangements, going forward you could get in touch with Child Maintenance Options.

Lots of parents contact us for advice about how to talk to their children about divorce and separation. This can be a difficult and emotional time for the whole family. We hope that you are getting the support you need to cope. You can find tips and book suggestions here.

Your and your child’s safety and wellbeing are vital, when your ex-partner has committed any for of abuse against you or your children contact, and handover can be difficult so asking a family member to help with this will relive you of stress and make the handover for the children better too.

It may be worthwhile letting the other people your children have contact with, such as child minders or teachers, know that your children may be upset. This will allow them to be prepared and to look out for, and let you know of, any behaviour that may be a cause for concern.

Your children’s school may be able to refer your children to support services if need be or your GP can refer to family counselling services although there could be a waiting list. You could see if your daughter could access Childline lots of info and advice.

There are different housing options, and you can get help through Universal Credit housing element to help with rent.  The Scottish Welfare Fund can help with items for your home and you can find more info on items you can apply for here.