The court and legal practitioners will often advocate for parents to complete a program (sometimes referred to as a parenting orders program) designed to assist them with the challenges and pitfalls that arise for separated parents.

Then you are not alone. This type of program is designed to help you to focus your attention on the best interests of your children, thereby reducing the conflict between yourself and the other parent, and helping you to develop a healthy post-separation co-parenting relationship. Unlike other parenting order programs, SPOT has been designed so that you can complete the course at your own leisure. It is conducted online so that you can complete the program in the comfort of your own home.

There are 2 options available with the SPOT program. The first is the online course, and once this component is completed you will be provided with a certificate of completion. In some circumstances there may be reasons for taking a further step: namely, a face-to-face interview/discussion with one of our professional consultants.

The SPOT program is divided into 10 modules each of which are locked. You will only be able to move onto the next one after you have completed (and passed) a short quiz at the end of each module.

Anyone with an interest in co-parenting, following separation.

Going through a marital/defacto separation is never easy. Research shows that it is one of the most stressful situations that we can face in our lives. It is, however, not unusual for parents to feel very strongly that their actions, post-separation, are in the best interests of their children, when the truth is that the ongoing dispute between them may be causing their children more harm than good. The reality is that during this difficult time in your life, you may not be able to ‘see the forest for the trees’, as the expression goes. Being in the midst of a breakdown of your relationship with the other parent, means that you may not be in the best position to make objective decisions that are in your children’s best interests. SPOT has been designed to focus on your children’s best interests. To help draw your attention to issues that are, commonly, contentious, and to highlight the role that each of you play in such circumstances, and what you can do to make the future better for your children. Regardless of your view of the other parent, the best outcome for your children is, usually, to have both of their parents actively involved in their lives, and to feel loved and appreciated in each household. All research supports this, and courts are well aware of the desirability of children having both parents play their role in the upbringing of their children.

If you are at all unsure, we always recommend speaking to your lawyer or the Court to confirm that this program is suitable for your needs.