Final Hearing

At the final hearing, the Judge makes a decision about the arrangements for your children, including where they will live (residency) and how much time they will spend with each parent (contact).

This hearing is often the stage where the court formalises its decisions into a binding order. The order will set out the specific arrangements for your children moving forward. If you are dissatisfied with the decision, or if you believe there were issues with the way the hearing was conducted, it is important to raise your concerns with the court as soon as possible.

If you feel that the order puts your children at risk, you should inform the CAFCASS officer involved in your case. CAFCASS has the authority to challenge an order where there are genuine safeguarding concerns.

Once an order is made, you are legally required to follow its terms. Failure to comply may result in enforcement proceedings, where the Judge will decide on further action. Non-compliance can amount to contempt of court, which may carry serious consequences.

If you believe your children are at immediate risk of significant harm, whether physical, emotional, or otherwise, you should report your concerns to the Police and the local authority safeguarding team without delay.



If you later feel that the existing order no longer protects your children or meets their needs, you may apply to the court for a variation or for a new order to be made.