Co-parenting after separation

Breakups are always tough and can be even tougher when there is a child involved. Depending on the reason for separation, it may be hard to communicate with your ex-partner but it will be necessary in order to co-parent.

The benefits of respectful co-parenting will be felt by your children. Working together as a team makes co-ordinating the day to day aspects of parenting far easier and it will minimise conflict between you. It also means that children will grow up in an environment where they can learn positive and respectful communication skills, skills they will take into their own relationships.

Public co-parenting

The high-profile couple, Molly-Mae Hague and fiancé Tommy Fury, recently announced that their five-year relationship had come to an end. The influencer and boxer, respectively, met on the 2019 series of Love Island. They then went on to become engaged and become parents to daughter Bambi, born in January 2023. The couple recently announced their break-up via their Instagram accounts. In both statements, the pair stressed that Bambi is their priority.

The couple have not publicly discussed why they have ended their relationship, though there has been speculation online and in the press. Hague has since said on her YouTube channel that she is not talking about the reasons for the break up "out of respect for Tommy because it's just not nice". She also stressed that "He is Bambi's dad and I will always value him and respect him, and obviously always have a lot of love for him”. The messaging from the couple on social media demonstrates their respectful approach towards moving to the next stage of their lives – being co-parents to Bambi.

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes of the high-profile announcement, the pair will be having various discussions about how their lives will look moving forward. In respect of Bambi, they will need to discuss who she will live with, who she will spend time with, and how they will jointly make decisions about her life. Depending on the time that Bambi spends with each parent, child maintenance may be due from one to the other. If they reach an agreement on all these matters, they may decide to document this in an agreement. If they do not reach agreement, then they may need to ask the court to make a decision.

The couple will also need to consider what happens with their finances. If they have joint property together, they will need to divide this. The couple may have had a cohabitation agreement drawn up, setting out what would happen if the relationship ended but many cohabiting couples do not have one. It is understood that Molly-Mae owns their house worth around £4 million. If it’s in her sole name, the starting point will be that it is her property to retain but there could well be arguments about a trust forming which would give Fury an interest in the property.

There will be various unknowns at the moment and there will be much more to be discussed between the couple. If their communications in the media is anything to go by, it is hoped that the respectful conversation will continue in private or between their lawyers so that matters can be resolved amicably between them for their own and Bambi’s benefit.

If you're looking for advice or support with co-parenting arrangements,  our children lawyers are well-known for their sensible, constructive, child-centred approach. You can contact them easily by telephone or email.