We have a Family Court parenting order for contact, but my ex regularly refuses to hand over our child or comes up with excuses at the last minute. I feel powerless. What can I do to make sure the order is followed?
A parenting order is legally binding, and the Care of Children Act 2004 provides mechanisms to enforce it. If the order is breached without a reasonable excuse, you can apply to the Family Court for enforcement, which can lead to consequences such as a warning, a fine, an order to pay costs, a requirement to attend a parenting programme, or in serious cases, a period of community work or even imprisonment. The court can also change care arrangements if the breaches are serious. Keep a written record of each breach, including dates, times and messages, and try to remain calm in your communications, since the court will look at both parents' conduct. A lawyer can prepare the application and ask for urgent orders where the child's wellbeing is at risk.
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