Contact Orders & How They Affect Parents

Unfortunately there are times when parents split up and cannot agree on what kind of access or contact the other should keep when the child moves in with the mother. Unless there has been some specific reason as to why the child (or children) shouldn’t move in with the mother then this is what normally happens – or the father moves out.

However, whatever the reasons there are times when the parents fight and argue (again unfortunately in front of the children) as to what access is allowed and how much time the father can spend with the children; this is where a Contact Order may be required.

What is a Contact Order?

Simply a Contact Order is an order laid down by the Family Court which details how much and how often there should be contact between the parent not living with the children and the children themselves. This order normally stipulates a number of hours per week and often a set day or night when the child (or children) can stay with the other parent.

Are Contact Orders Only Issued If The Parents Can’t Agree?

Usually this is the case but there are occasions when perhaps the child (or children) involved don’t think they are spending enough time with the other parent. It may also be necessary to implement a Contact Order if one parent is spending too much with a child or is not returning the child (or children) to their home at the right times.

Do Contact Orders Cover Visits Only?

Contact means just that and as such a Contact Order can be issued if the parent not living with the child (or children) feels that their visiting time is not long enough or not often enough. If this is the case then the parent not living at home may ask that he or she be allowed to converse with their child by telephone perhaps once or twice a week to break up the periods between visits.

On What Grounds are Contact Orders Issued?

As we touched upon earlier Contact Orders are issued if there is no sign of agreement between two arguing parents. More often than not the child (or children) will find that they are being used as a weapon against the other parent so the magistrate will issue a Contact Order to ensure that arguments over visiting the child are not part of the overall equation.

Can Contact Orders Be Changed or Cancelled?

Yes they can but as with any order issued by a magistrate it must be changed or cancelled by them during a hearing at which both parents must satisfy his or her requirements. A Contact Order can be changed if both parents come to an agreement as to visiting and wish to make it official or the order can be cancelled if there is – as sometimes happens – a reconciliation between both parents. Again however the magistrate will be interested primarily in the best interests of the child (or children) and will not make any snap decisions.

Indeed he or she may ask that a court liaison officer visit the family home to undertake an assessment and also speak with the child (or children) involved to ascertain their feelings on the situation.

For more information you should ideally contact a solicitor who specialises in Family Law; you will find them listed in your local directories and also online.