UKMy ex won't let me see our children. What can I do?
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.
What the Law Says
The law does not give parents an automatic legal right to see their children — instead, it focuses on what is in the child’s best interests. The court’s main concern is the child’s welfare, and any decision about contact must reflect that.
Under the Children Act 1989, if parents cannot agree on arrangements for their children, either parent (or other eligible person) can ask the court to make a decision. The most common order used for contact is a Child Arrangements Order.
This order sets out with whom a child is to live, spend time, or otherwise have contact — including direct visits, indirect contact (e.g., letters or calls), or supervised contact where appropriate.
Statutory TextIn this Part, 'order' means an order made by the court under section 8.
— Children Act 1989, s. 8 — Interpretation
What to Do
Try to reach agreement first — use family mediation (a legal requirement before court in most cases, unless exempt).
If mediation fails or isn’t suitable, fill in Form C100 and submit it to your local family court, paying the £232 fee (fee remission available if on low income).
Attend a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), where a judge or magistrate will explore settlement options and may give directions.
If no agreement is reached, the court may order a welfare report from Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service).
A final hearing will be held if needed, and the judge will decide based on the child’s welfare checklist in section 1(3) of the Children Act 1989.
Sources
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JapanNot 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: 2026-06-08.