Following separation, clear and consistent arrangements for a child to spend time with both parents are essential for their stability and wellbeing. When one parent blocks or restricts contact without good reason, it can create distress, confusion, and significant tension within the family. It may also disrupt routines, affect the child’s emotional development, and place unnecessary pressure on both parents and wider family members. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take is important to ensure that your child maintains a healthy and balanced relationship with both parents.
What Does Blocking Contact Mean?
Blocking contact can take many forms. A parent may refuse to allow scheduled visits, cancel arrangements repeatedly, fail to facilitate communication, or create obstacles that make it difficult for the child to see the other parent. In some cases, contact may be restricted because of conflict between the adults rather than genuine concerns about the child’s safety or welfare.
While occasional changes may be necessary, persistent or deliberate obstruction is taken seriously and can have an impact on future arrangements. The behaviour may also influence how the court views a parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
When Is Contact Restriction Justified?
There are situations where limiting or pausing contact may be appropriate, such as where there are concerns about safety, welfare, or recent significant changes in circumstances. However, any concerns should be addressed through appropriate channels and supported by evidence rather than assumptions or unresolved disputes.
Unilateral decisions to block contact without clear justification can be harmful to the child and may be viewed negatively by the court. The focus should always be on the child’s best interests and maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents wherever safe and appropriate.
How Does the Court Approach Blocked Contact?
If discussions or mediation do not resolve the issue, an application can be made to the Family Court for a child arrangements order or to vary an existing child arrangements order. The court will consider the reasons contact has been blocked and assess what arrangements best support the child’s welfare.
The court may order direct contact, indirect contact, supported or supervised contact, or in some cases vary existing arrangements to restore balance. Persistent refusal to comply with court orders can lead to further consequences, including enforcement proceedings which can involve community or unpaid work or, depending on the circumstances, changes to the child’s primary residence where appropriate. The court’s priority is to ensure the child maintains safe, stable, and beneficial relationships.
Steps You Can Take
If your former partner is blocking contact, it is important to remain calm and child focused. Keeping detailed records of missed time, cancelled visits, and communication attempts can help provide clarity if legal action becomes necessary.
Attempts to resolve matters through open discussion or mediation are encouraged, as early cooperation can prevent further conflict and minimise disruption for the child. Seeking legal advice at an early stage is essential to understand your rights and the options available. A family solicitor can help you explore voluntary solutions or make an application to the court if required.
Key Considerations
Blocked contact can have significant emotional effects on both parent and child. Prioritising the child’s wellbeing, addressing concerns constructively, and taking timely legal advice can help restore regular and positive relationships. Ensuring consistent engagement and demonstrating a child centred approach will support your position if court involvement becomes necessary.
We Can Help
If your former partner is preventing you from seeing your child or refusing to follow agreed arrangements, our family law specialists can provide clear and practical guidance. We can help you take the steps needed to re-establish contact and ensure that your child’s best interests remain at the forefront.
If you need advice about blocked contact or assistance in securing time with your child, contact us to discuss your options.
