Assumption: "I can raise safeguarding concerns to stop contact, and it won't matter if I've allowed similar risks elsewhere."
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 sometimes raise a safeguarding concern to stop contact in one context while acting inconsistently with that same concern in another, without realising the court will notice.
Court Reality
Courts scrutinise safeguarding claims for consistency. Alleging a risk serious enough to justify stopping contact, while acting inconsistently with that belief elsewhere, undermines the credibility of the concern.
This insight was contributed by someone who has been through the family court system. Bridge The Gap is deeply grateful to everyone who shares their experience — your honesty helps bridge the gap for the next person still in it.
Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.
The Gap?
"I can raise safeguarding concerns to stop contact, and it won't matter if I've allowed similar risks elsewhere."
Court Reality
Courts scrutinise safeguarding claims for consistency. Alleging a risk serious enough to justify stopping contact, while acting inconsistently with that belief elsewhere, undermines the credibility of the concern.
Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.
familycourtbridge.org
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
Find your supportCookie Consent
We use essential cookies only, such as remembering this choice and keeping you signed in if you create an account. No tracking or analytics cookies are used.