Can a child apply for a contact order?

A child can make an application for leave to make a contact application, but only if the court is satisfied that the child has sufficient understanding to make such an application. The courts do not encourage applications by children and it is unlikely that a child under the age of 12 will be considered to have sufficient understanding; however, this will differ from case to case. A child who wishes to apply for leave will probably require the assistance of a 'next friend' and their application for leave will have to be made to the High Court. Sometimes a child will want to see the non-resident parent, but that parent does not want to have contact. Sadly for the child, the court cannot force a parent to have contact and a child is highly unlikely to get leave to make an application in such a case.

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