Blog Spot

Why Neurodiverse Parents Deserve Support, Not Scrutiny

In a world that claims to champion equality and inclusivity, why are neurodiverse parents being unfairly targeted by the very systems meant to protect families? The alarming trend of using neurodiversity as a justification to remove children on "potential future risk" from capable, loving parents is not only discriminatory but also sets a dangerous precedent with long-lasting societal consequences.

Neurodiversity Is a Strength

Neurodiverse individuals bring unique qualities to parenting. Traits like empathy, focus, and patience often shine through in their caregiving, yet these strengths are overshadowed by harmful stereotypes. Instead of judging parents by their diagnoses, it’s time to look at their actions, commitment, and ability to meet their child’s needs.

The Dangerous Precedent Being Set

If this trend continues, the UK risks alienating an entire group of capable parents simply because they are neurodiverse. With 1 in 100 people in the UK on the autism spectrum (and many more undiagnosed), this could lead to widespread family separations and a societal crisis.

What This Means for Families

Parents may avoid seeking help or disclosing diagnoses for fear of being labelled as “unfit.” This stigma harms not only parents but also children, who deserve the stability of growing up with parents who love and understand them.

A Call for Change

Public authorities must shift their approach to one of understanding and support. Every parent, regardless of neurodiversity, deserves to be assessed fairly and given the tools to thrive, not judged based on assumptions.

It’s time to stop weaponising neurodiversity against parents and start supporting them. By breaking these harmful cycles, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society for all families.

Have you or someone you know faced discrimination as a neurodiverse parent? How big is this crisis already?

If you're a parent facing a dispute about child contact arrangements in private family law proceedings, navigating the UK family court system can feel overwhelming. Whether you're applying to start, change, or cease contact arrangements, knowing which forms to complete is critical. This guide will walk you through the key court forms you need for child contact disputes and when it might be helpful to provide a statement with supporting evidence.

Starting Contact Arrangements – The C100 Form

The C100 form is the most commonly used form in family courts when applying for a Child Arrangements Order. This form is required if you and the other parent cannot agree on the arrangements for your child and want the court to decide on:

• Who the child lives with (formerly known as "residence").

• How much time the child spends with each parent (formerly known as "contact").

When to Use the C100 Form:

• If you want to start contact but the other parent is refusing.

• If you wish to change existing arrangements and the other parent does not agree.

Important Notes:

• Mediation: Before applying, you'll typically need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to see if mediation can resolve the issue. The court may waive this requirement in certain cases (e.g., domestic abuse).

Changing Existing Child Contact Arrangements – The C79 Form

If you already have a court order for child contact and one parent is not following the terms, or you want to enforce or vary the order, you may need to file a C79 form.

When to Use the C79 Form:

• To enforce an existing Child Arrangements Order.

• To request changes if the current arrangement is no longer working (e.g., the child’s circumstances have changed or the other parent is failing to comply with the existing order).

Applying to Stop or Restrict Contact – The C1 Form

If you want to stop or significantly restrict contact between the other parent and the child (e.g., due to safety concerns or a change in circumstances), you will likely need to complete a C1 form.

When to Use the C1 Form:

• To ask the court to change an existing order to reduce or stop contact.

• If there are concerns about the child’s welfare during contact with the other parent (e.g., cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect).

Applying for Specific Issues or Prohibited Steps Orders – The C100 Form (Again)

The C100 form can also be used to apply for:

• Specific Issue Order: If you and the other parent disagree on a specific aspect of the child’s upbringing (e.g., schooling, medical treatments).

• Prohibited Steps Order: If you want to prevent the other parent from taking a specific action without the court’s permission (e.g., relocating with the child).

Further Help and Resources

For more detailed guidance on how to complete specific forms, check out these helpful resources:

• Government Family Court Forms

• Citizens Advice Family Law Help

• Legal Aid for Family Matters

Conclusion:
Understanding which court forms to use for child contact arrangements and how to provide supporting evidence is essential to navigating the UK family court system. Whether you're starting new contact arrangements, enforcing an existing order, or seeking to stop contact, these forms and processes are designed to ensure the child's welfare remains the top priority.

Need help navigating your family court application? Contact us today for guidance and support to ensure your application is complete and accurate.