What records should I keep about child arrangements and contact? — Guide for England and Wales

Introduction: why record keeping matters

Good records help parents, professionals and courts understand what happens in practice. Clear documentation supports contact disputes, enforcement applications and welfare assessments. Records also protect the child by showing routines, incidents and attempts to cooperate.

Daily and weekly contact logs

Keep a simple diary of each contact episode. Note dates times pick up and drop off locations who attended and the duration of visits. Record whether contact went ahead, whether it was supervised and any practical issues such as late arrivals cancelled sessions or travel delays. These logs provide an objective chronology of day to day arrangements.

Communication records between parents

Save emails texts messaging app transcripts and social media messages about arrangements. Keep copies of proposals, confirmations and any changes agreed verbally. Where parents exchange messages in a formal portal such as a mediation service keep those records too. Clear communication history shows attempts to agree and can be crucial in court.

Records of missed or interrupted contact

Document every missed contact and the reason given. Note whether the parent attempted to reschedule or offered alternatives. Include evidence such as call logs, screenshots and witness statements where possible. Repeated unexplained refusals or last minute cancellations strengthen enforcement or variation applications.

Supervised contact and professional reports

When contact occurs under supervision keep copies of contact centre reports and supervisor notes. Request written feedback after sessions and retain invoices or receipts for fees paid. Professional records provide independent evidence about the quality of interactions and any safeguarding concerns.

School and childcare records

Keep copies of school attendance records, term dates and any letters about absence that relate to contact arrangements. Record arrangements for handovers at school gates and any school concerns about the child’s welfare. School documents help demonstrate stability and the practical impact of contact plans.

Health and safeguarding notes

If the child attends medical or therapeutic services because of contact stress or incidents, keep appointment notes and professional letters. Record any safeguarding referrals, police reports or incidents requiring emergency services. Accurate welfare records help the court assess risk and need.

Financial records related to contact

Retain receipts for travel, accommodation, contact centre fees and gifts where these relate to contact arrangements. If a parent claims additional costs, keep invoices and bank transfers. Financial records clarify who paid what and whether costs create unreasonable burdens.

Evidence of attempts to resolve disputes

Keep records of mediation invitations, MIAM certificates, legal correspondence and offers to negotiate. Save notes from meetings or telephone conversations that summarise proposals and outcomes. Showing a history of constructive attempts to resolve problems strengthens a party’s position.

How to organise and present records

Store records in dated folders or a secure digital file with backups. Use a simple index or spreadsheet summarising entries so key facts stand out. When preparing for CAFCASS or court provide concise bundles with clear headings and a short chronology to help professionals see the issues quickly.

Practical tips and privacy

Avoid using the child as a messenger or airing disputes in front of them. Keep records factual and free of emotive language. Respect privacy and data protection when storing messages that involve third parties. Share records with professionals and the court when they add clear evidence.

Conclusion: consistent records build trust and clarity

Accurate, timely records reduce conflict, support enforcement and help professionals assess the child’s welfare. Consistent documentation gives parents a reliable basis for negotiating and for presenting issues to CAFCASS or the court.

Summary

– Keep dated contact logs with times locations participants and outcomes

– Save communications about arrangements, including texts and emails

– Record missed contact with reasons and attempts to reschedule

– Retain contact centre reports school letters medical notes and receipts

– Organise files clearly and present concise chronologies to professionals

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Peter Johnson on 1st December 2025 and is correct at the time of going to press. With over forty years of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here.

To follow up on any of the above please contact Guy Wilton of our family department. Guy has wide experience of acting for the firm’s clients, their family and their businesses. Guy’s experience as a lawyer started in the Northern and Welsh Circuits, including the Liverpool Courts, where he represented numerous clients after being called to the Bar, before opting to join Alexander JLO in 2017 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2024. He is a highly experienced family lawyer with a particular interest in financial remedy proceedings and child contact disputes.

Guy’s profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be viewed here.