When a couple with children separate it is left to them to decide what arrangements should be put in place for the children. If parents cannot agree these arrangements and mediation has failed to help achieve agreement, the issue can be referred to the court.
The law has been changed from the 8th December 2008 to try and promote a good relationship between children both their parents. Sometimes parents are ordered to facilitate contact but by one means or another prevent it happening. The amended Section 11 of the Children Act 1989 will help parents as follows:-
- A parent can be required to attend a Parenting Information Programme, a Domestic Violence Prevention Programme and an Initial Mediation Session.
- Family and welfare reporters whose involvement usually ends when the court makes a final order have been given power to monitor contact for 12 months.
- Where the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that a person has failed to comply with a contact order and there is no reasonable excuse for this, that person can be ordered to carry out unpaid work monitored by the National Probation Service.
- Where a parent has lost out financially because contact has not taken place, a financial compensation order can be made to reimburse that person.
In Milton Keynes workshops are now available offering Parenting after Parting sessions which offer parents more information on how to help their children through the separation of their parents. For more information click here.
If you are having difficulties in seeing your children please contact
- Beth Woodward on bwoodward@neves-solicitors.co.uk or 01908 304560 (MK Office)
- Mary McEvoy on mmcevoy@neves-solicitors.co.uk or 01582 715234 (Harpenden/Luton Office)
- John Walsh on jwalsh@neves-solicitors.co.uk or 01582 715234 (Harpenden Office)
