A v S [2025] EWFC 331 (B) (30 July 2025)

A v S [2025] EWFC 331 (B) (30 July 2025)

Direct supervised contact between the father and children is ordered as it is in the children's best interests, with no sufficient evidence that contact would expose them to harm. The proven domestic abuse predated the children's awareness and there was a significant period of cohabitation without incident. The father's motive of immigration advantage does not outweigh the welfare benefits of restoring the parental relationship. Declaration of parentage and parental responsibility for L are granted to place both children on equal terms.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 331 (B)
Parties
Applicant Father: A; Respondent Mother: S
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Act 1989 Proceedings (child Arrangements, Declaration of Parentage, Parental Responsibility) / Final Hearing and Judgment
Outcome
Application granted in part; direct supervised contact ordered; declaration of parentage and parental responsibility for L granted.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Parental Responsibility, Declaration of Parentage, Domestic Abuse, Contact Orders, Welfare of the Child, Immigration and Family Proceedings
Family Law Child Arrangements Parental Responsibility Declaration of Parentage Domestic Abuse Contact Orders Welfare of the Child Immigration and Family Proceedings

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Parties

A

Applicant Father

S

Respondent Mother

Procedural Posture

Children Act 1989 Proceedings (child Arrangements, Declaration of Parentage, Parental Responsibility) / Final Hearing and Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether direct contact between father and children should be ordered
  2. 2 Whether a declaration of parentage should be made for L
  3. 3 Whether parental responsibility should be granted to the father for L

Ratio Decidendi

Direct supervised contact between the father and children is ordered as it is in the children's best interests, with no sufficient evidence that contact would expose them to harm. The proven domestic abuse predated the children's awareness and there was a significant period of cohabitation without incident. The father's motive of immigration advantage does not outweigh the welfare benefits of restoring the parental relationship. Declaration of parentage and parental responsibility for L are granted to place both children on equal terms.

Court Disposition

Application granted in part; direct supervised contact ordered; declaration of parentage and parental responsibility for L granted.

Orders

  • Monthly supervised contact at a contact centre for 18 months, up to two hours per session, funded by the father.
  • Father to continue sending letters and photos between contact sessions.