L v S

L v S

The father has failed to engage with the proceedings, has not complied with previous orders, and presents ongoing safeguarding risks to the child and mother. There is no evidence that contact with the father would benefit the child, and the risk of emotional harm outweighs any benefit. The child's welfare requires that there be no contact with the father and that a section 91(14) barring order be made to prevent further abusive litigation.

Parties
Applicant Father: L; Respondent Mother: S; Family Court Adviser: Ms M
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 November 2024
Procedural Posture
Child Arrangements Application / Final Judgment
Outcome
Application dismissed; no contact order made; section 91(14) barring order granted.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Contact Orders, Section 91(14) Barring Orders, Safeguarding, Indirect Contact, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Contact Orders Section 91(14) Barring Orders Safeguarding Indirect Contact Parental Responsibility

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Parties

L

Applicant Father

S

Respondent Mother

Ms M

Family Court Adviser

Procedural Posture

Child Arrangements Application / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father should have direct or indirect contact with the child
  2. 2 Whether a section 91(14) barring order should be made against the father
  3. 3 Whether the child arrangements order should be varied or dismissed

Ratio Decidendi

The father has failed to engage with the proceedings, has not complied with previous orders, and presents ongoing safeguarding risks to the child and mother. There is no evidence that contact with the father would benefit the child, and the risk of emotional harm outweighs any benefit. The child's welfare requires that there be no contact with the father and that a section 91(14) barring order be made to prevent further abusive litigation.

Court Disposition

Application dismissed; no contact order made; section 91(14) barring order granted.

Orders

  • No direct or indirect contact between father and child W.
  • Section 91(14) order: Father barred from making further applications under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 in relation to W until W is 16, without permission of the court.