Enforcing a child arrangements order at the family court in West Sussex
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.
- Form: D11 — gov.uk
- Fee: £195 (application notice, D11) — Help with Fees (EX160) if on a low income
- Where to file: Horsham County Court and Family Court, The Law Courts, Hurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2ET
- Our full guide to Horsham County Court and Family Court
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 West Sussex
- Support services in West Sussex
- Finding a solicitor near West Sussex
- Finding a mediator near West Sussex
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.