You may be concerned that contact with your child will be limited. This is a particular worry amongst fathers, where they often have limited contact after a breakup and assume that the court will automatically side with the mother.
The court will make its decision based on what is best for the child, as required by Children Act 1989, but you might be able to improve your chances of success in relation to custody and contact.
6 top tips for getting contact with your child.
Tip 1: Demonstrate that you have a good relationship with each child by keeping records of everything you do together and how it went, to prove your involvement with each child. ONRECORD is designed for this and helps you to keep records quickly, easily and thoroughly so that you can make your case (sign up here)
Tip 2: Show that you are interested in their homework, schooling and extra curricular activities. In other words, stay as involved as you can.
Tip 3: Attend as many key events as you can including birthdays, parents’ evenings, school plays and sports days and any other activities each child enjoys. Keep records (using ONRECORD!) so you can prove it.
Tip 4: Pay child maintenance regularly and on time to demonstrate long-term concern for each child. Be sure to obtain proof of the payments if you are handing over cash. Keep a record (using ONRECORD!) of all payments.
Tip 5: The court will want to know what the living arrangements for each child will be when you have them with you. Prepare a nice area for your child where they can feel safe and comfortable in your home and can have some of their things if they want to.
Tip 6: Respect the other parent so the child is not involved in your adult disputes. Not behaving well can damage the relationship with your child and your chances of gaining custody or the kind of contact you want.
More free family law advice
Head back to our family law advice hub to see other commonly asked questions and our detailed answers.
Is it time you started gathering evidence?
The sooner you start collecting evidence, the better the outcome for your case.