B (Children), Re

B (Children), Re

The trial judge erred in principle by failing to properly assess the emotional and psychological impact on the mother of refusing relocation, and by adopting an unwarranted criticism regarding the absence of offers for additional contact. The only proper disposal is to order a retrial before a judge with specialist experience.

Parties
Applicant: CF; Respondent: MB
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
01 July 2004
Procedural Posture
Family Law Relocation/contact / Appeal From County Court Decision, Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed; retrial ordered
Legal Topics
Child Relocation, Contact Orders, Welfare of the Child, International Family Law

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 3 Authorities cited 8 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

CF

Applicant

MB

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family Law Relocation/contact / Appeal From County Court Decision, Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge properly assessed the impact on the primary carer of refusing relocation
  2. 2 Whether the trial judge erred in his approach to evidence regarding future contact arrangements
  3. 3 Whether a new category of 'lifestyle choice' relocation cases should be recognised

Ratio Decidendi

The trial judge erred in principle by failing to properly assess the emotional and psychological impact on the mother of refusing relocation, and by adopting an unwarranted criticism regarding the absence of offers for additional contact. The only proper disposal is to order a retrial before a judge with specialist experience.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; retrial ordered

Orders

  • Permission to appeal granted
  • Appeal allowed