CLACKMANNANSHIRE families which have been affected by separation are being offered an online advice tool to help protect the welfare of their children.

A new factsheet — called Separation and Divorce: Sorting It Out — has been prepared by the charity One Parent Families Scotland and is available at no cost.

The service has been aimed at those mothers and fathers who are in the process of divorcing, or who are already the primary care provider for their children.

Figures revealed there are 1811 lone parent families in Clackmannanshire — one of the highest rates per head of population in the country.

The 14-page leaflet has already been distributed by One Parent Families Scotland but is now available on their website for download.

The charity said thousands of Scottish couples with children separate each year — most of whom face significant social and economic difficulties as a result.

Sue Rew, information manager at One Parent Families Scotland, said: “Every year the charity’s Lone Parent Helpline receives hundreds of calls from worried parents in the midst of relationship breakdown.

“They call looking for information on the law, benefits, property rights, debt, contact and maintenance payments, to name but a few of the issues faced by new lone parents.

“We hope that the new factsheet will help people deal with any immediate crises and enable them to plan for a good future with their children.” The fact book covers the major issues surrounding separation such as how to get a solicitor, housing rights on separation, financial issues such as maintenance, division of property and pension sharing, and arrangements for children, including court orders, mediation and the Child Maintenance Service.

There is also a section on domestic abuse.

It can be obtained by calling the Lone Parent Helpline free on 0808 8010323 and is available for download at www.opfs.org.uk