Can I Stop My Ex Seeing the Children? What UK Law Actually Says
It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked at KT Family Solicitors, and often one of the most emotionally charged: can I stop my ex from seeing our children? The short answer is that UK law starts from the position that children benefit from a relationship with both parents, but there are important exceptions. Here’s what the law actually says, and when contact can be limited or stopped.The Starting Point in Family Law
Family courts operate on the principle that, wherever it’s safe to do so, children benefit from an ongoing relationship with both parents. This means you can’t simply decide to stop contact because a relationship has broken down, or because you and your ex don’t get on.
Doing so without a legitimate, safety related reason can actually work against you if the matter ends up in court, as judges can view it as a parent failing to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. For a wider view of how these arrangements are decided, see our guide to Child Arrangements Orders.
When Contact Can Be Limited or Stopped
There are circumstances where limiting or stopping contact is justified, generally where there’s a genuine risk to the child’s safety or wellbeing. This can include:
- Evidence of domestic abuse, whether directed at the child or witnessed by them
- Substance misuse that affects a parent’s ability to care safely for the child
- A history of neglect or harm
- Situations where a parent poses a genuine safeguarding risk
Even in these situations, it’s important to seek legal advice quickly, rather than making unilateral decisions, as this protects both you and your children if the matter is questioned later. If domestic abuse is a factor, our guide to understanding domestic abuse explains the support and legal protections available.
What If You Have Genuine Safety Concerns?
If you believe a child is at risk, you should seek advice as a priority. Options can include applying for a Child Arrangements Order that sets out supervised or limited contact, or, in situations involving domestic abuse, applying for protective orders such as a non-molestation order.What Happens If You Stop Contact Without Good Reason?
If a parent stops contact without a valid safety reason, the other parent can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. The court will look closely at why contact stopped, and it’s not unusual for arrangements to be reinstated, sometimes alongside a requirement to make up for lost contact.Speak to a Solicitor Before Making Decisions
Whether you’re worried about your child’s safety, or you’re the parent whose contact has been reduced or stopped, this is a situation where early legal advice matters. KT Family Solicitors can help you understand your position clearly, and take the right steps to protect your children and your rights as a parent.
