What is contact?

We know your children are your priority. When parents separate or divorce it is important for the child to keep seeing both parents. This is called “contact”.

Contact can take many forms to include seeing the parent and child in person, telephone calls, skype or letters.

Contact is individual to every family and is based on the child’s age, wishes and feelings.

What contact is reasonable?

Contact arrangements are different for every family.  They can take into account the child’s schooling, afterschool activities, the parents’ work schedules and a variety of other factors which affect the family.

Contact can range from a letter or telephone call every week (normally called indirect contact) to a couple of hours on certain days to overnight contact.

I want to know where my child is staying.

It can be agreed between the parties or made a court order that contact is to occur at a certain address or in a public venue.

If there are significant concerns regarding the other parent (for example drug use), contact can occur in a contact centre. A contact centre is a neutral place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with their parents and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment. It’s primary role is to support and promote contact between parents, grandparents, guardians and children.

Will I have to go to Court?

At HHD solicitors, we can help you to negotiate contact arrangements with the other parent either directly or through their solicitors.

If this doesn’t work, you may wish to consider issuing Court proceedings.  The Court which has responsibility for contact proceedings is designed to be less formal than other courts, but we will be to assist you throughout the process in a sensitive, efficient and discrete manner.

An indication may be provided by the Judge in order to facilitate discussions between the legal teams outside of the court room.  The Court would prefer to assist parents in reaching an agreed position rather than having to impose a decision.

If no agreement can be reached the case is normally listed for Hearing.  You may be expected to come into the Courtroom at this stage, however occasionally your solicitor can put your case forward to the Court (this is called submissions).  The Court will make a final decision after taking into consideration all submissions.

Can I afford a solicitor?

If you are of low income or in receipt of benefits you may be eligible for legal advice and assistance. At HHD solicitors we will be able to assess your income and savings to determine your eligibility.   If you are not eligible for legal advice and assistance we are happy to discuss how your fees may be paid.

If you have any further queries, please contact one of our family solicitors at HHD enquiries@hhdsolicitors.com