Child Contact & Residence
Our service combines a wealth of experience with a modern approach.
Child Contact & Residence Solicitors in Glasgow, Paisley & Bearsden
Clear advice for parents, grandparents and carers in Scotland
When arrangements for a child become difficult after separation, early legal advice can protect your relationship with the child and reduce conflict. Wright & Crawford can advise on child contact, residence, shared care, parental rights and court orders.
Call 0141 942 3764 for our Bearsden office, 0141 887 6211 for our Paisley office or use our online contact form to speak with our family law team.
Child Contact and Residence Disputes in Scotland
Child contact and residence disputes often arise when parents cannot agree where a child should live, how much time they should spend with each parent, or how key decisions should be made.
In Scotland, the court can make a residence order setting out where a child lives, and a contact order setting out arrangements for direct contact with someone the child does not live with. The court’s main focus is the child’s welfare. It must take account of the child’s age, maturity and views where practical.
At Wright & Crawford, we give calm, practical advice at every stage. We aim to resolve disputes through agreement where possible, but we can act firmly through the courts when a child’s welfare or a parent’s relationship with their child needs legal protection.
Why Choose Wright & Crawford?
Our family law department is headed by Denise Hooper, an accredited family law specialist and mediator, who has extensive experience in separation, divorce, cohabitation and child law.
Denise is a Law Society of Scotland accredited family mediator. She is a member of the Family Law Association, Scottish Collaboration Group, Consensus Scotland, FLAGS and Family Mediation CALM.
Her approach is focused on plain English advice, cost control and helping clients reach a workable outcome.
What Child Contact Means
Contact refers to the time a child spends with a parent or another person they do not live with.
This can include:
- Overnight stays
- Weekend contact
- Holiday contact
- Midweek visits
- Video calls
- Telephone contact
- Supervised contact
- Contact through letters or messages
Contact arrangements should be built around the child’s needs, routine and welfare. For younger children, shorter and more frequent contact may work better. For older children, school, friendships and their own views may carry more weight.
What Residence Means
Residence relates to where a child lives.
A child may live mainly with one parent, or spend defined periods with each parent. Shared care does not always mean a precise 50/50 split. The right arrangement depends on the child’s age, schooling, care needs, family support and day-to-day routine.
A residence order can help where parents cannot agree, or where a formal arrangement is needed for stability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Child Contact and Residence Disputes
Get Early Legal Advice
Early advice helps you understand your position before conflict escalates.
We can explain:
- Your parental responsibilities and rights
- Whether court action is needed
- How the child’s views may be considered
- What evidence may help your case
- How to avoid steps that could weaken your position
Parental responsibilities in Scotland include safeguarding and promoting a child’s health, development and welfare, giving guidance, and maintaining personal relations and direct contact where the child does not live with the parent.
Try to Reach Agreement
Many child disputes can be resolved through discussion, solicitor negotiation or mediation.
An agreement may cover:
- Weekly care patterns
- School holidays
- Birthdays
- Christmas and other special dates
- Travel abroad
- Communication between parents
- Handovers
- Child maintenance
A clear written agreement can reduce future conflict.
Consider Mediation
Mediation can help parents discuss arrangements in a structured setting.
Denise Hooper’s mediation accreditation gives Wright & Crawford clients access to an informed, child-focused approach. Mediation can be useful where communication has broken down but both parents still want to avoid court.
Prepare for Court Where Needed
Court action may be needed where:
- A parent is being denied contact
- The child’s safety is a concern
- One parent wants to move away
- Handovers are unsafe or hostile
- A parent is not following agreed arrangements
- There are allegations of domestic abuse
- A child’s views need careful handling
The sheriff court can make orders about residence, contact, specific issues and parental responsibilities and rights.
Focus on the Child’s Welfare
The court will not make an order unless it considers that making the order is better for the child than making no order. This is sometimes known as the no-order principle.
This means the court will look beyond what each adult wants. It will consider what arrangement best supports the child’s welfare, stability and relationships.
Clear advice for parents, grandparents and carers in Scotland
Common Child Contact Problems We Help With
One Parent Refusing Contact
If contact has stopped, legal advice should be taken quickly. We can help you seek reinstatement of contact through negotiation or court action.
Unsafe Contact Concerns
Where there are welfare concerns, contact may need safeguards. This might include supervised contact, supported handovers or a gradual reintroduction plan.
Disputes About Shared Care
Shared care can work well where parents communicate and live close enough to support school and routine. Where there is disagreement, we can advise on realistic arrangements.
Relocation Disputes
A proposed move within Scotland, to another part of the UK or overseas can create serious issues. The court will consider the child’s welfare and the practical impact on contact.
Grandparent Contact
Grandparents do not have automatic contact rights, but they may be able to seek a court order. We can advise grandparents who wish to preserve a meaningful relationship with a child.
Child Residence and Contact Orders
A court order can provide clarity and legal structure.
A contact order may set out:
- Days and times for contact
- Overnight stays
- Holiday arrangements
- Supervision requirements
- Collection and return arrangements
- Indirect contact
A residence order may set out:
- Where the child lives
- Whether residence is shared
- How care is divided
- Practical rules for the child’s routine
Court orders can be useful where informal arrangements are ignored or where stability is needed.
Do Children Have a Say?
Yes. In Scotland, children should have the chance to express their views where practical, taking account of their age and maturity.
This does not mean a child must choose between parents. The court will consider their views alongside other factors. The process should be handled sensitively to avoid placing pressure on the child.
Practical Advice for Parents During a Dispute
During a contact or residence dispute, your conduct matters.
Try to:
- Keep messages calm and child-focused
- Avoid involving the child in adult conflict
- Keep records of missed contact
- Follow existing agreements where safe
- Avoid sudden changes without advice
- Seek legal help before withholding contact
If there are safety concerns, take urgent legal advice before agreeing to any arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a residence order?
A residence order confirms where a child lives and can set shared care arrangements.
What is a contact order?
A contact order sets out how a child spends time with a parent or another person.
Can a parent stop contact?
Only where there is a genuine welfare concern. Legal advice should be taken quickly.
Can grandparents apply for contact?
Yes, in some cases. The court will focus on the child’s welfare.
Will my child’s views be heard?
Yes, where practical, based on the child’s age and maturity.
Contact Our Child Contact & Residence Lawyers in Glasgow, Paisley & Bearsden
Child disputes need careful advice from solicitors who understand both the law and the personal strain involved.
Wright & Crawford can help you agree arrangements, protect your relationship with your child and take court action where needed.
Call 0141 942 3764 for our Bearsden office, 0141 887 6211 for our Paisley office or use our online contact form to speak with our family law team.
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How can we help you?
To find how our friendly and knowledgeable solicitors in Paisley and Glasgow can help you, contact us today.
