What should I do if my child refuses contact?

A parent should not react by simply stopping contact. They should try and find out why the child does not want contact anymore. It may be that the timing of contact does not suit the child, or there is a worry about the way the child spends time with the non-resident parent. It may also be a reflection of the resident parent's concerns. A child will often say what they think the parent will want to hear. Children's wishes and feelings are very important and should be taken into account in light of their age and understanding. However, generally their wishes and feelings will not ultimately determine what happens. In most cases the courts view contact as being in the best interests of the child, and will only refuse to make an order in exceptional circumstances.

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