Contact arrangements for children – indirect Contact

Along with the welfare issues to be considered when thinking how to meet your child’s needs, parents who are separating will need to decide on practical issues around the contact arrangements with the other Parent.

There are a number of different types of Child arrangements, which vary in terms of the quality of the time spent which occurs. In this article we will focus on the different types of indirect contact and how it might work.

‘Indirect contact means the amount of time a parent has with a child that is not face to face,’ explains a Family Lawyer with Ware & Kay in York. ‘In an increasingly digital age this can now take many formats.’

Why should there be indirect contact?

There are a number of different reasons:

• It is the safest option, and it may be felt that due to some safeguarding issues this is the most appropriate way for contact to occur.
• It provides a way to reintroduce an absent parent to a child’s life.
• It can reflect the child’s wishes and feelings.
• To bridge gaps in direct contact.

Types of indirect contact

Indirect contact can be one way, or mutual.

If it is one way, this typically involves the parent sending letters, emails, presents or voice notes to the child. The child is not under any obligation to respond. Sometimes no response is expected due to their age, or in order to respect their wishes.

If mutual indirect contact is agreed, then there is an expectation that the child will engage. Mutual indirect contact could also involve communication via social media and text message.

If there are safeguarding concerns, then the indirect contact may need to be monitored. This may involve an appropriate adult checking letters or emails before they are shown to the child.  

Video contact and phone calls

There is no statutory definition of indirect contact, but if it is to be on a mutual basis then it may include phone calls or video calls.

It is usually best to try to agree with your former partner the detail of how indirect contact will occur. If you cannot come to an agreement with your former partner, we can advise you on your options.

For more information or if you need advice on the various ways in which arrangements might work or be appropriate for your children, please contact our team on York 01904 716000, Wetherby 01937 583210 or Malton 01653 692247  to see how we can assist.