24th December 2025
The festive season should be a time of joy and togetherness. But for separated or divorced parents, agreeing on Christmas contact arrangements can feel overwhelming, especially if plans are left until the last minute.
The good news? In most cases, you don’t need to rush straight to court. Parents in England and Wales can often agree arrangements themselves, using practical tools like mediation and a Parenting Plan. Court involvement is usually a last resort when agreement isn’t possible.
If you already have a Child Arrangements Order that needs changing, or if it isn’t being followed, there are clear legal steps to vary, enforce, or make urgent applications. Every decision is guided by the Children Act 1989 welfare checklist, which puts your child’s needs first.
Here’s our expert guide to planning a child-focused Christmas.
Not always. Start with non-court options:
Mediation: Before applying to court, you’ll usually need to attend a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless an exemption applies (such as domestic abuse or genuine urgency).
Help with costs: Parents may qualify for a government family mediation voucher worth up to £500.
If agreement isn’t possible: You can apply for or vary a Child Arrangements Order using Form C100 (online or paper).
Think ahead and write it down. A Parenting Plan (now called Our Child’s Plan by Cafcass) should cover the whole holiday, not just Christmas Day.
Popular options include:
If in-person time isn’t possible, include video or phone contact. Agree handover times that reduce stress and keep adult conflict away from children. Never ask children to “choose”, it puts them under pressure.
If an order isn’t being followed, you can apply to enforce it using Form C79.
The court can:
Yes, but urgent or without-notice applications are only for serious situations, such as risk of harm or unlawful removal. HMCTS guidance explains how urgent hearings work, but the court still expects parents to resolve disputes safely wherever possible.
At Myers & Co Solicitors, our friendly, expert family law team is committed to doing what’s right for you and your children. We’ll help you understand your options, explore mediation where safe, and act quickly if a court order or enforcement is needed.
Call us now or make a quick enquiry online for expert guidance you can trust.
