Enforcing a child arrangements order at the family court in Newport

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-02

How this application works

If a child arrangements order is breached, the court can be asked to enforce it under Part 4 of the Family Procedure Rules using an application notice (form D11). The court's options include an enforcement order (unpaid work for the breaching party), varying the order, referring the parties to a Separated Parents Information Programme or mediation, or — in serious cases — committal. The court can also order compensation for financial loss caused by the breach. Before applying, keep a precise log of missed contact (dates, times, what was said) — evidence matters, and the court will first ask whether the order can work in a different form.

What happens after you file

1. File the D11 application notice with the order you want enforced. 2. The court lists a hearing; both parties explain the alleged breaches. 3. The court decides: enforcement order, variation, referral to SPIP/mediation, compensation, or committal (with the higher evidence standard applied).

Getting help in Newport

Related guides


General information only — not legal advice. Fees per SI 2026/642 (in force 13 July 2026); confirm the current fee on the gov.uk form page before filing. Source: gov.uk, HMCTS.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.

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