In Episode 2 of Dear Divorce Diaries, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins discuss one of the most critical topics in family law: co-parenting after separation.

With years of courtroom experience, they explain why only a small percentage of cases actually need to go to trial, and why many families would benefit from avoiding court entirely—both emotionally and financially.

Daz and Jop focus on keeping the child at the centre of every decision, explaining that even if parents hate each other, they still share a lifelong responsibility to their children. They reference the “Tommy” film used in US family courts to illustrate the damage children experience when parents fight.

Daz & Jop share practical tools for better co-parenting, including:

• Parenting courses (such as Tuning into Kids/Teenagers)
• Psychological support and mindfulness
• Regular “iron-out” sessions to revisit parenting plans
• Mediation and why two-day mediations are often more effective
• Co-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard and AppClose

They also highlight common pitfalls that cause conflict, including:

• Social media denigration
• Involving new partners in the conflict
• Using children as weapons during changeovers
• Disputes about child support and spending
• Rigid parenting schedules that ignore child development

The episode concludes with a reminder that children are impacted by conflict long into adulthood, and that co-parenting is about behaviour—not feelings. Even if parents can’t stand each other, they can still learn to behave respectfully for the sake of their kids.

Key Topics Covered

• Why court is not always necessary
• The “child-focused lens” concept
• Parenting courses and tools
• The harm of public conflict on social media
• The importance of communication boundaries
• Why co-parenting requires work
• Managing changeovers calmly
• The benefits of mediation
• Using parenting apps to reduce conflict
• Why schedules must adapt as children grow
• The long-term impact of conflict on kids

When a relationship ends, it can feel like the world is breaking apart — legally, emotionally and practically. The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast exists to guide you through that difficult landscape with clarity, compassion and a child-focused mindset.

Each episode, Darren “Daz” Mort and Joplin “Jop” Higgins draw on their extensive experience within the family law system to unpack what separation and divorce really look like — not just on paper, but in real life.

They believe that families deserve dignity, children deserve protection, and adults deserve guidance that is calm, respectful and grounded in expertise rather than conflict.

And because no two separations look the same, you can be part of the conversation.

Listeners are invited to submit their questions for Daz & Jop, with future episodes dedicated to answering real experiences, real challenges and real concerns from the people who need guidance most.

Whether you’re contemplating separation, navigating court, co-parenting, or simply trying to put your children first through the uncertainty — The Dear Divorce Diary Podcast offers steady, professional guidance to help reshape the path ahead.

Real law. Real families. Real conversations.

Subscribe, listen, learn — and know that you’re not alone.

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