UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person
Family Court Reality (the gap) · 54

Assumption: "Contact just means visiting my child, does it not?"

1 min read

This 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

Contact means visiting a child — it is an informal arrangement for the non-resident parent to see them occasionally.

Court Reality

Legally, contact encompasses any time spent with the child, including visits, outings, phone calls, or overnight stays. It does not suggest lesser importance or imply that the child lives solely with one parent. The term contact reflects the understanding that children benefit from meaningful relationships with both parents.

Share this insight

Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.

Bridge The Gap

The Gap?

"Contact just means visiting my child, does it not?"

Court Reality

Legally, contact encompasses any time spent with the child, including visits, outings, phone calls, or overnight stays. It does not suggest lesser importance or imply that the child lives solely with one parent.

Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.

familycourtbridge.org

Published31 May 2026Last reviewed8 October 2026

Navigating court alone?

A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.

Find your support

Cookie 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.