Shared Parenting Information Group (SPIG) UK

- promoting responsible shared parenting after separation and divorce -

Enforcement of contact orders

The UK has long held that contact orders are not enforceable, but since the first jailing of a mother in 1988 for obstructing contact there has been a slow and steady change of opinion. Sanctions are actually embodied in Australian and US law, and Canada is moving towards an enforcement policy.
- see law reform in Australia and Canada

Note: Obstruction of contact is frequently associated with Parental Alienation.

History of enforcement in UK
Sanctions embodied in Australian law for enforcement
Direct action to enforce a contact order - putting moral pressure on a recalcitrant parent
Proposals by a US academic
Enforcement of Access orders - Alberta (Canada)

If you can contribute to this section, please contact us: email SPIG

David Cannon

Last updated - 2 September 2002

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