Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.
Assumption: "I have genuine safeguarding concerns but if I pause contact I will get into trouble with the judge for breaking the court order."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Parents believe that pausing contact — even when a child is at risk — will automatically be treated as contempt or bad faith by the court.
Court Reality
Courts take a serious view of withholding contact without good reason — but genuine, documented safeguarding concerns are a recognised basis for pausing. If Social Services have advised a pause pending assessment, that advice carries significant weight. Judges distinguish between a parent acting on professional guidance and one acting out of conflict. Document everything and be ready to show your reasoning.
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The Gap?
"I have genuine safeguarding concerns but if I pause contact I will get into trouble with the judge for breaking the court order."
Court Reality
Courts take a serious view of withholding contact without good reason — but genuine, documented safeguarding concerns are a recognised basis for pausing.
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