The Impact of the Olympics By Lorraine Harvey, Principal Lawyer (Partner), Family Law Russell Jones & Walker

Whilst the nation waits in anticipation for the monumental sporting event this summer what is the potential impact of the event on those involved? We don’t mean the athletes but the police officers who have had their leave cancelled and the impact that this may have on their family life. 

The nature of the job for most officers can cause a strain on their home life particularly so if there are children. It is likely that the other party is feeling aggrieved as they are anxious at facing the prospect of uncertainty of when their partner may be around to help out with the children during the summer break. This may also impact on their work commitments as child care may need to be factored in. Try to ensure that communication is maintained as far as possible to avoid misunderstandings and be mindful of how your partner may be feeling as although this is not necessarily your choice to be working this does also impact on them. 

For those who have separated from the other parent they may face difficulties with contact. Ideally flexible arrangements for contact will be agreed between the parties to ensure that the children do have an opportunity of spending time with the other parent during this period. 


You may however find that the other party is not understanding of the situation and fails to appreciate that you have no control over the matter. They may be resentful that they don’t get a break themselves and seek to punish the other party. Ultimately it is the children that suffer.  

If there has been a court battle to ensure that contact does take place you may find that the other party expects the court order to be rigidly adhered to. A defined court order may specify that contact over the summer holidays takes place the last week in July and first week in August. Without flexibility this would mean that the children would spend very limited time with the non resident parent over the summer break. 

This would be more so if the children live some distance away from the non resident parent as generally holidays are the main opportunity to enjoy extended quality time with the other parent.

If alternative arrangements cannot be agreed then you should turn to a solicitor or mediator. In the vast majority of cases they will help you reach a compromise.

However some couples cannot reach an amicable agreement and the only option is to refer the matter to court. As the court process can take several months it is essential that you obtain legal advice immediately if you do believe that you may have difficulties with contact over the summer period. Undoubtedly Judge’s are likely to be appreciative of the situation and will acknowledge that it is in the children’s interests for the contact to be re-arranged wherever possible. 

If you would like to speak any of the Family Law Solicitors, please call 0808 175 7710 in a first instance or e-mail enquiries@rjwslatergordon.co.uk or visit our website www.rjw.co.uk/policelaw