E, Z, D, V (Welfare), Re

E, Z, D, V (Welfare), Re

Direct contact with the Applicant in Uganda is not in the best interests of the children at this time due to emotional instability, risk of harm, and destabilisation of their relationships with their primary carer. Contact arrangements in England and indirect video contact are sufficient to promote the children’s welfare. Parental Responsibility for ‘V’ and Prohibited Steps Order are not necessary. Inclusion of paternal name for three oldest children is appropriate. Retention of travel documents by solicitors is no longer required.

Parties
Applicant: A; First Respondent: R; Second Respondent: N
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Final Welfare Hearing
Outcome
Child Arrangements Order and Specific Issue Order granted by consent; applications for leave to remove, Parental Responsibility for ‘V’, and Prohibited Steps Order dismissed; Orders for retention of travel documents discharged.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order, Prohibited Steps Order, Parental Responsibility, International Child Abduction, Contact Arrangements, Name Change, Retention of Travel Documents
Family Law Child Welfare Child Arrangements Order Specific Issue Order Prohibited Steps Order Parental Responsibility International Child Abduction Contact Arrangements +2 more

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Parties

A

Applicant

R

First Respondent

N

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Final Welfare Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the children should spend time with the Applicant in Uganda
  2. 2 Whether the children should spend time with the Applicant in England
  3. 3 What indirect contact should take place between the Applicant and children

Ratio Decidendi

Direct contact with the Applicant in Uganda is not in the best interests of the children at this time due to emotional instability, risk of harm, and destabilisation of their relationships with their primary carer. Contact arrangements in England and indirect video contact are sufficient to promote the children’s welfare. Parental Responsibility for ‘V’ and Prohibited Steps Order are not necessary. Inclusion of paternal name for three oldest children is appropriate. Retention of travel documents by solicitors is no longer required.

Court Disposition

Child Arrangements Order and Specific Issue Order granted by consent; applications for leave to remove, Parental Responsibility for ‘V’, and Prohibited Steps Order dismissed; Orders for retention of travel documents discharged.

Orders

  • Mother to make children available for direct contact with Applicant twice yearly in England.
  • Indirect video contact between children and Applicant weekly and biweekly as specified.