A v B [2025] EWHC 764 (Fam) (07 March 2025)

A v B [2025] EWHC 764 (Fam) (07 March 2025)

Permission for B to permanently relocate C to Dubai is granted because C's welfare is best served by remaining with his primary carer in Dubai, where he is settled, thriving, and benefits from improved stability and opportunities. The impact on C's relationship with A is negligible given the current limited indirect contact, and A has not yet completed sufficient work to address domestic abuse risks to justify progression to direct contact. Summary return is refused as not in C's best interests. Application to adjourn for further expert evidence is refused as unnecessary and disproportionate.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 764 (Fam)
Parties
Applicant: A; Respondent: B
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 March 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Act 1989 Proceedings (relocation, Summary Return, Child Arrangements) / Final Judgment After Contested Hearing
Outcome
Mother's application for permanent relocation to Dubai granted; father's applications for summary return and progression to direct contact refused.
Legal Topics
International Relocation, Summary Return (non Hague), Child Arrangements, Domestic Abuse, Parental Responsibility, Contact Orders
Family Law Child Law International Relocation Summary Return (non Hague) Child Arrangements Domestic Abuse Parental Responsibility Contact Orders

Case Brief

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Parties

A

Applicant

B

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Children Act 1989 Proceedings (relocation, Summary Return, Child Arrangements) / Final Judgment After Contested Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to grant permission for permanent relocation of the child to Dubai
  2. 2 Whether to order summary return of the child to England and Wales
  3. 3 Whether to vary or progress contact arrangements between the child and the father

Ratio Decidendi

Permission for B to permanently relocate C to Dubai is granted because C's welfare is best served by remaining with his primary carer in Dubai, where he is settled, thriving, and benefits from improved stability and opportunities. The impact on C's relationship with A is negligible given the current limited indirect contact, and A has not yet completed sufficient work to address domestic abuse risks to justify progression to direct contact. Summary return is refused as not in C's best interests. Application to adjourn for further expert evidence is refused as unnecessary and disproportionate.

Court Disposition

Mother's application for permanent relocation to Dubai granted; father's applications for summary return and progression to direct contact refused.

Orders

  • Permission for B to permanently relocate C to Dubai is granted.
  • No order for summary return of C to England and Wales.