Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

Why contact is essential

It is in your child's best interests to maintain a relationship with both parents.

Although there are no set rules about how frequently children should see their non-resident parent, it is generally considered to be in the child's best interests to maintain a relationship with both parents, unless of course there have been issues of abuse.

Children are most vulnerable when separated parents find it difficult to agree on contact, and astonishingly about 60% of fathers lose contact with their children within three years of divorcing. Studies show that these children are less likely to succeed at school and are more likely to suffer from insecurity and anxiety.

Why contact and access to children is essential

• Children blame themselves for their parents' separation.
• Children view the separation as a rejection of them. This is magnified if they lose contact with one parent.
• Children create a fantasy figure for the missing parent.
• Children have more difficulty forming relationships in adulthood if they have no contact with one of their parents.
• Children cope better with their parents' separation and divorce if they retain a relationship with both parents.