Contact between your child and their other parent: information for single parents

December 2008

Contact between your child and their other parent [PDF,122KB]

Contact between your child and their other parent [PDF,122KB]

It is generally acknowledged that it is usually in the best interests of a child to be able to continue and develop their relationship with both parents as well as with other relatives.

However, it is recognised that contact should be safe both for the child and for you. On the other hand, you cannot make a non-resident parent or anyone else have contact with your child even if the child wants contact and it would be in the best interests of the child.

This section explains:

the things to think about when making arrangements for contact,
what can help parents to come to agreements about contact, and
what to do if there are disputes and/or other problems with contact arrangements

Issues covered in this factsheet:

Considering your children’s needs when deciding on any arrangements for them

Coming to agreements about contact

Planning ahead

What decisions can the non-resident parent make during contact visits?

If your child refuses contact with their other parent

What happens if I refuse to allow contact to take place?

Going to court if you cannot reach an agreement about contact

The court process

When will a court refuse contact?

What are contact centres?

Contact and holiday arrangements

Changing or varying court orders

Factsheets:

Campaigns:


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