Can a non-custodial parent see their child?

How the answer differs across 6 jurisdictions

The Short Answer

As a non-custodial parent in Germany, you have a legal right—and duty—to maintain contact with your child under BGB § 1684. The court can define, enforce, or restrict visitation only if the child’s well-being is at serious risk.

Right & duty
Legal status
Child's well-being
Key test for limits
Time-limited
Umgangspflegschaft duration
Supervised only
Court-ordered condition
AustraliaFull article
The Short Answer

You can apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for parenting orders. If you already have orders and they’re being breached, you may file an application alleging contravention.

21 days
Time to respond to contravention application
$4,000
Max penalty for serious breach
Section 65D
Parenting order power
Section 70N
Contravention process
The Short Answer

A non-custodial parent in Ireland has a statutory right to apply to court for access (visitation) with their child, and the court must consider the child’s best interests as the paramount concern.

s. 11A
Relevant section
Best interests
Paramount principle
Court applicati
Required for access order
1964
Act year
The Short Answer

You can apply to court for a Child Arrangements Order under the Children Act 1989, which can specify when and how you see your children.

s. 8
Relevant section
Child Arrangeme
Legal remedy
No automatic ri
Parental access
Court's priorit
Child's welfare
South KoreaFull article
The Short Answer

The right of visitation in South Korea is the non-custodial parent’s legally protected right to meet and communicate with their child, as guaranteed under the Civil Act.

Art. 837-2
Civil Act article
30 days
Enforcement deadline
Child's welfare
Primary standard
Court order
Required for enforcement
The Short Answer

Visitation may be denied in Japan if it harms the child’s welfare, such as in cases of abuse, neglect, or serious risk to the child’s physical or mental health.

Art. 820
Civil Code
Art. 27
Child Welfare Act
Best interest
Legal standard
Court order
Required for denial

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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.