What happens if you breach a child arrangements order?

The consequences of breaching the Order can be significant. If the order contains a warning notice, it is most likely that the aggrieved parent will apply for a Contact Enforcement Order to enforce the Child Arrangements Order. The court has the following options upon receiving a complaint:

Enforce the existing order. Penalties for breaching can include fines, unpaid work, payment of financial compensation to the other party, or in serious cases, imprisonment.

Vary the terms of the existing Child arrangements Order.

Direct the parties to attend mediation.

Order the breaching parent to attend a Planning Together for Children Programme. The aim of the programme is to put the needs and best interests of the child first.

Breaching a Child Arrangement Order may also result in the parent being held in contempt of court.