Assumption: "(Child Arrangements) If the children say they want to see their other parent, the court will order contact."
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
People think a child's stated wish decides the outcome.
Court Reality
The child's wishes and feelings are one part of the welfare checklist, weighed in light of their age and understanding. In a 2026 case, the judge accepted young children genuinely wanted to see their father, but also took account of their mixed feelings, their age and the risk they blamed themselves. Direct contact was not ordered.
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The Gap?
"(Child Arrangements) If the children say they want to see their other parent, the court will order contact."
Court Reality
The child's wishes and feelings are one part of the welfare checklist, weighed in light of their age and understanding. In a 2026 case, the judge accepted young children genuinely wanted to see their father, but also took account of their mixed feelings, their age and the risk they blamed themselves. Direct contact was not ordered.
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