A (Interim Contact) [2021] EWFC B57 (12 February 2021)

A (Interim Contact) [2021] EWFC B57 (12 February 2021)

Given the unresolved allegations of domestic abuse, the need for psychological assessment, and the welfare of A, interim contact must be supervised and reintroduced gradually in a contact centre, with no overnight contact until further assessment. A prohibited steps order is justified to prevent removal of A from the UK pending final determination.

Citation
[2021] EWFC B57
Parties
Mother/applicant: MA; Father/respondent: FA; Subject Child: A (child)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
12 February 2021
Procedural Posture
Children Act Proceedings (child Arrangements) / Interim Hearing, Judgment on Interim Contact and Prohibited Steps Order
Outcome
Interim contact order and prohibited steps order granted; case adjourned for further assessment and review hearing.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Contact Orders, Prohibited Steps Order, Domestic Abuse Allegations, Welfare Checklist, Interim Orders
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Contact Orders Prohibited Steps Order Domestic Abuse Allegations Welfare Checklist Interim Orders

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Parties

MA

Mother/applicant

FA

Father/respondent

A (child)

Subject Child

Procedural Posture

Children Act Proceedings (child Arrangements) / Interim Hearing, Judgment on Interim Contact and Prohibited Steps Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What interim contact arrangements are appropriate between A and FA?
  2. 2 Should a prohibited steps order be made to prevent removal of A from the UK?
  3. 3 How should allegations of domestic abuse be addressed at the interim stage?

Ratio Decidendi

Given the unresolved allegations of domestic abuse, the need for psychological assessment, and the welfare of A, interim contact must be supervised and reintroduced gradually in a contact centre, with no overnight contact until further assessment. A prohibited steps order is justified to prevent removal of A from the UK pending final determination.

Court Disposition

Interim contact order and prohibited steps order granted; case adjourned for further assessment and review hearing.

Orders

  • Supervised contact between A and FA to take place in England at a contact centre, with MA present initially.
  • No overnight contact until after psychological assessment and review of initial contacts.