Access

'Access' relates to the contact between a child and the parent with whom the child does not ordinarily reside. Access can be both physical, as in a child seeing the other parent in person, or it can be by means of communication such as letter, e-mail or telephone communication. It should be noted that grandparents and other relatives have the right to apply to a court for access, and where a child is in the care of a Health Board, parents or relatives may apply for access.

A person who is seeking an access order is required to go to the local District Court and get the Court Clerk to issue an application for access. It is highly advisable to get legal advice and representation in such applications, and the Law Society has a directory of solicitors firms which may be useful in locating a solicitor locally.