Short answer
For a child arrangements enforcement enquiry, gather the existing order, missed-contact chronology, messages, handover evidence, safeguarding context, Form C79 papers and any hearing directions.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Best order
How to organise the first pack
- Put the existing order first.
- Mark the paragraphs said to be breached.
- Prepare a dated missed-contact table.
- Add evidence for explanations, impact and welfare concerns.
- State whether you need advice, drafting or hearing representation.
Start With The Existing Order
A barrister will need the sealed child arrangements order and any later variations. Highlight the paragraphs said to have been breached rather than assuming the whole order is in dispute.
If the order was made before 8 December 2008, note whether warning-notice issues have been considered.
- Sealed child arrangements order and variations.
- Specific paragraphs said to be breached.
- Dates and times of missed or changed contact.
- Handover arrangements and travel details.
- Any previous enforcement, variation or safeguarding order.
Create A Missed-Contact Chronology
Use a simple table showing the date, ordered arrangement, what happened, explanation given, evidence and impact. Keep the wording factual and avoid argumentative commentary.
Where the other parent gives reasons, include those reasons and any documents that support or contradict them.
- Messages, emails and call logs.
- School, medical, travel or handover evidence.
- Police, social-care or safeguarding records if relevant.
- Costs or financial loss evidence where compensation is raised.
- Child-focused proposals for future arrangements.
Frame The Court Request
The enquiry should say whether advice is needed on issuing Form C79, responding to an enforcement application, varying arrangements, preparing evidence or attending a hearing.
This guide is general information only. It does not say whether enforcement, variation or another route is appropriate in a particular family case.
Avoid delays
What not to send first
- Sending messages without a chronology.
- Ignoring explanations given for missed contact.
- Omitting safeguarding or welfare concerns.
- Assuming enforcement is the only possible route.
Source note: source-checked against GOV.UK child-arrangements enforcement guidance and HMCTS Form C79 guidance on 26 September 2026. Welfare, safeguarding, good-reason, compensation and enforcement-order issues need specialist family barrister review before publication.
Claim and official-source ledger
- GOV.UK explains that Form C79 is used to apply to enforce a child arrangements order and that the court may make an enforcement order or compensation order depending on the facts.
- Making child arrangements if you divorce or separate: Change or enforce an order — GOV.UK; checked .
- HMCTS publishes Form C79 for applications related to enforcement of a child arrangements order or to set aside or change an existing enforcement order.
- Form C79: Apply to the court to enforce a child arrangements order — GOV.UK; checked .
Editorial status: Review required. Sources support the identified claims only. General information; not legal advice.
Child Arrangements Enforcement Order Barrister Evidence Guide FAQs
Which form is used to ask the court to enforce a child arrangements order?
GOV.UK directs applicants to use Form C79 for applications related to enforcement of a child arrangements order.
What evidence helps explain missed contact?
A dated schedule, the order wording, messages, handover arrangements, travel evidence, school or medical context and any safeguarding concerns can help the issue be understood.
Does enforcement guarantee unpaid work or compensation?
No. GOV.UK explains that the court looks at the facts and may decide not to enforce if there is a good reason or a different arrangement is better for the child.
Ask For A Barrister Quote
Barristers4U helps clients request a quote from a suitable Direct Access barrister. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
