How to Restrict Your Child’s Contact with Certain Individuals: A Guide for Concerned Parents

1. As a parent, ensuring your child’s safety and well-being is the top priority. There may be situations where you feel it is necessary to restrict your child’s contact with certain individuals who might negatively impact their welfare. In such cases, understanding the legal avenues available to you is crucial. This blog explores the steps you can take to protect your child, the legal measures involved, and how you can navigate this often complex process.

Identifying the Need for Contact Restrictions

The first step in protecting your child is to identify and articulate why contact with a particular individual may be harmful. Common reasons may include concerns about the individual’s behaviour, history of abuse, substance abuse issues or any other factors that may pose a risk to the child’s physical or emotional well-being. It is essential to have a clear and justifiable rationale for seeking such restrictions.

Legal Measures to Restrict Contact

There are several legal mechanisms available to restrict your child’s contact with certain individuals:

1. Prohibited Steps Orders (PSO): As discussed in the previous blog here, a PSO can prevent a parent or guardian from allowing a child to have contact with a particular person. This order must be granted by the family court and is based on the child’s best interests.

2. Child Arrangement Orders: These orders can specify who the child is permitted to live with and have contact with, potentially excluding certain individuals. These are typically pursued during parental disputes and require a court application.

3. Non-Molestation Orders: In cases involving domestic violence or abuse, these orders can provide protective measures for both the parent and child, restricting a named individual from making contact or coming near them.

Seeking Professional Advice

Navigating the legal process to restrict contact can be complex, and obtaining specialist legal advice is vital. As family law solicitors we can provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action based on your situation and assist with the preparation and submission of court applications.

Preparing for Court

When preparing your case for court, gathering evidence to support your concerns is crucial. This may include:

– Witness statements or affidavits detailing the behaviours or actions that have raised concern.

– Documentation such as police reports or medical records, if applicable.

– Any prior agreements or correspondence relevant to the case.

Considering Alternative Dispute Resolution

While legal measures are sometimes necessary, exploring alternatives such as mediation can be beneficial. Mediation provides a platform for both parties to reach an amicable agreement regarding contact arrangements, without the need for lengthy court proceedings. However, this may not always be suitable, especially in cases involving safety concerns.

Conclusion

Restricting your child’s contact with certain individuals is a significant decision that can have far-reaching implications. It is important to undertake this process with care, ensuring that any actions taken are in the child’s best interest and legally sound. By understanding the legal options available and seeking expert advice, you can better protect your child’s welfare and foster a safe environment for their growth and development. If you find yourself in this situation, taking proactive steps and seeking the right support can make a crucial difference in securing a positive outcome for your family.

At Alexander JLO we have decades of experience of dealing with family matters especially those relating to children. Why not contact us here or call on +44 (0) 207 537 7000 for a free, no obligation consultation and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s senior partner, Peter Johnson on the 11th April 2025 and is correct at the time of publication. 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