X (A Child), In the Matter Of (Welfare Judgment) [2025] EWFC 496 (B) (14 July 2025)

X (A Child), In the Matter Of (Welfare Judgment) [2025] EWFC 496 (B) (14 July 2025)

Given expert evidence of ongoing risks from CF's unresolved pornography addiction and impulsivity, X's trauma and anxiety, and CM's entrenched beliefs, the welfare of X requires indirect contact only while all parties engage in therapy. Direct contact is not in X's best interests until successful completion of recommended interventions and professional confirmation of progress. Delay in proceedings is harmful, so the case must conclude with a clear roadmap for future review if therapy is successful.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 496 (B)
Parties
Applicant: CF; First Respondent: CM; Second Respondent: X (A child)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
14 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Family Child Welfare / Final Hearing and Welfare Judgment Following Fact Finding and Expert Reports
Outcome
Final order for indirect contact only; specific issue order for child to engage in therapy; proceedings concluded with roadmap for future review if therapy is successful.
Legal Topics
Child Contact, Welfare Principle, Risk Assessment, Therapeutic Intervention, Section 7 Report, Specific Issue Order
Family Law Child Welfare Child Contact Welfare Principle Risk Assessment Therapeutic Intervention Section 7 Report Specific Issue Order

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Parties

CF

Applicant

CM

First Respondent

X (A child)

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family Child Welfare / Final Hearing and Welfare Judgment Following Fact Finding and Expert Reports

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What child arrangements are in X's welfare given findings of fact and expert evidence?
  2. 2 What risks exist to X from parental conduct and beliefs?
  3. 3 Should direct contact between CF and X be ordered or deferred pending therapy?

Ratio Decidendi

Given expert evidence of ongoing risks from CF's unresolved pornography addiction and impulsivity, X's trauma and anxiety, and CM's entrenched beliefs, the welfare of X requires indirect contact only while all parties engage in therapy. Direct contact is not in X's best interests until successful completion of recommended interventions and professional confirmation of progress. Delay in proceedings is harmful, so the case must conclude with a clear roadmap for future review if therapy is successful.

Court Disposition

Final order for indirect contact only; specific issue order for child to engage in therapy; proceedings concluded with roadmap for future review if therapy is successful.

Orders

  • Indirect contact between CF and X to continue via letterbox arrangements.
  • Specific issue order: CM to support X engaging in therapy with a child psychologist, with a report to both parents.