IJ v KL [2026] EWFC 45 (B) (13 February 2026)

IJ v KL [2026] EWFC 45 (B) (13 February 2026)

It is in GH's best interests, both short and long term, to remain living in the UK with her Father and not to relocate to Spain with her Mother, due to the lack of a concrete relocation plan, the risk of emotional harm, language and cultural obstacles, and the need for stability and continuity in GH's life.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 45 (B)
Parties
Appellant (mother): IJ; Respondent (father): KL
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Children Act 1989 Child Arrangements and Specific Issue Order / Final Hearing and Judgment
Outcome
Mother's application for Specific Issue Order to remove GH from the jurisdiction refused; Child Arrangement Order made for GH to live with Father in the UK.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order, International Relocation of Children, Welfare of the Child, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Order Specific Issue Order International Relocation of Children Welfare of the Child Parental Responsibility

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 1 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

IJ

Appellant (mother)

KL

Respondent (father)

Procedural Posture

Children Act 1989 Child Arrangements and Specific Issue Order / Final Hearing and Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the child GH should be permitted to relocate permanently from the UK to Spain with the Mother
  2. 2 What child arrangements serve the welfare and best interests of GH

Ratio Decidendi

It is in GH's best interests, both short and long term, to remain living in the UK with her Father and not to relocate to Spain with her Mother, due to the lack of a concrete relocation plan, the risk of emotional harm, language and cultural obstacles, and the need for stability and continuity in GH's life.

Court Disposition

Mother's application for Specific Issue Order to remove GH from the jurisdiction refused; Child Arrangement Order made for GH to live with Father in the UK.

Orders

  • Final Child Arrangement Order: GH to live with Father in the UK.
  • Mother's application for Specific Issue Order (permanent removal to Spain) refused.