Six Steps to Manage a High Conflict Children Act Case

How to manage a high-conflict Children Act case — guidance from a Family lawyer in Hampshire

If you’re a parent caught up in a high-conflict child arrangements case, it can feel exhausting, confusing, and sometimes never-ending. The family court process under the Children Act 1989 is designed to protect children, but when conflict is high, the strain on everyone – especially your child – can be overwhelming. As a Family lawyer in Hampshire, I’ve set out what to expect and how to keep your case child-focused and on track.

This guide explains what to expect in a high-conflict Children Act case, why getting professional advice early on is so important, and what you can do as a parent to manage the process and reduce stress.

Step 1: Seek professional advice early

One of the most helpful things you can do at the start of a high-conflict case is to get advice from a specialist family lawyer. Early legal advice can:

  • Explain your options under the Children Act 1989
  • Help you prepare the strongest possible case from the beginning
  • Make sure your application or response to the court is focused and child-centred
  • Reduce the risk of repeated applications and unnecessary hearings
  • Provide guidance on what evidence you need, especially if allegations are raised

👉 The earlier you get clear, professional advice, the better your chances of avoiding unnecessary conflict and delay. A Family lawyer in Hampshire can map out the process and evidence from day one.

Step 2: Keep your child’s welfare at the centre

The court’s starting point is always your child’s welfare. Judges look at the welfare checklist, including:

  • Your child’s wishes and feelings (age-appropriate)
  • Physical, emotional, and educational needs
  • The effect of changes in their life
  • Any risk of harm
  • Each parent’s ability to meet their needs

👉 Keep everything child-focused in your communications, evidence, and proposals.

Step 3: Understand how the court manages high-conflict cases

In higher-conflict situations the court may take a more active role, using tools such as:

  • Cafcass involvement – Section 7 reports and recommendations
  • Fact-finding hearings – where allegations of harm or domestic abuse are tested
  • Scott Schedules – concise tables of allegations/responses to narrow issues
  • Section 37 reports – local authority investigation where risk is alleged
  • Section 91(14) orders – to curb repeated or harmful applications

👉 A Family lawyer in Hampshire can explain which of these tools is likely in your case and how to prepare.

Step 4: Get support outside court

Not everything must be solved in court. Consider:

  • Mediation (if safe and appropriate)
  • Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP)
  • Parenting apps (e.g., OurFamilyWizard) to stabilise communication
  • Therapy or parenting coordination for entrenched conflict

Step 5: Keep communication child-focused

High conflict often escalates through poor communication. Try to:

  • Keep messages short and only about the child
  • Avoid blame or emotional language
  • Use apps or email if calls lead to arguments
  • Remember judges may read the communication trail

Step 6: Look after yourself

You manage the case better when you’re supported:

  • Lean on friends/family or professionals
  • Maintain your child’s routine and stability
  • Protect your mental health
  • Work with your legal team on the bigger picture and realistic outcomes

Key takeaways for parents

If you’re asking “How do I manage a high-conflict Children Act case?”:

  • Seek advice from a Family lawyer in Hampshire early
  • Keep your child’s welfare at the centre of every decision
  • Understand the court’s tools (Section 7 reports, fact-finding, Scott Schedules, 91(14) orders)
  • Use support outside court
  • Communicate calmly and stick to the child’s needs
  • Look after your own well-being so you can be the best parent possible

Final word

High-conflict Children Act cases are tough, but they can be managed. With early, specialist legal advice, clear communication, and support both inside and outside court, you can protect your child’s welfare and make the process less damaging for your family.

Kate Evans is a Senior Paralegal with Just Family Law and has considerable experience in Children Act cases, including high conflict and matters involving children with special needs.

Speak to a family lawyer in Hampshire

For tailored advice about your case, contact a Family lawyer in Hampshire who can help you plan the right strategy and keep your case child-centred. To book an appointment with Kate, please call 01962 217640 or email kateevans@just-family-law.com.