Every child should be afforded
the opportunity for meaningful contact with both parents when it is
safe and in that child’s best interests.
In proceedings relating
to a Child Arrangements order, the Court presumes that the involvement
of a parent in a child’s life will further the child’s welfare, unless
there is evidence to the contrary.
Exposure to parental dispute
may result in children experiencing both short and long term cognitive,
behavioural and emotional effects through their childhood and
potentially into adulthood. In addition, a lack of effective
communication between the parents will lead to misunderstandings and
tension and will inevitably have an adverse impact on children and on
the quality and progress of contact arrangements with either parent.
Repeated
applications to the court and further litigation are unlikely to be
beneficial to children and on the contrary, may have a negative impact
on their relationships with one or both parents. It is therefore
imperative that you both find a means of communicating more
co-operatively about relevant issues.