Children are used as 'pawns' in disputes over parents' partners

SEPARATED parents are using their children as pawns in disputes over new partners during the summer holidays, according to family lawyers.

One of the UK's leading family law firms claims up to three quarters of disputes over residence or contact with children are the result of rows about former partners' new relationships. Pannone says that the majority of complaints are made by parents worried about being replaced in children's affections.

Cara Nuttall, an associate at Pannone, said: "Spending time with parents during the summer holidays increases the likelihood of children meeting their mother or father's new partner.

"These situations are so emotive, parents sometimes don't act or think in a rational manner."