CP v M & Ors

CP v M & Ors

Given the children’s consistently and strongly expressed wishes not to have contact with CP, the absence of evidence of manipulation or alienation by M, and the likelihood that further proceedings would cause emotional harm and entrench resistance, the court determined that continuing the application or ordering therapy would not serve the children’s welfare. No order is made on CP’s applications except for arrangements for memory boxes and updates.

Parties
Applicant: CP; First Respondent: M; Second to Sixth Respondents: The Children (five boys, parties 2–6)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Child Arrangements / Parental Responsibility / Final Judgment After Remittal From Court of Appeal
Outcome
Application dismissed (no order made on contact); ancillary orders for memory boxes and updates.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements Order, Parental Responsibility, Contact, Welfare of the Child, Alienation, Jurisdiction, Parentage
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Order Parental Responsibility Contact Welfare of the Child Alienation Jurisdiction +1 more

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Parties

CP

Applicant

M

First Respondent

The Children (five boys, parties 2–6)

Second to Sixth Respondents

Procedural Posture

Child Arrangements / Parental Responsibility / Final Judgment After Remittal From Court of Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to order contact between CP and the four younger children against their wishes
  2. 2 Whether to direct a finding of fact hearing regarding alleged alienation
  3. 3 Whether to order family psychological assessment or therapy

Ratio Decidendi

Given the children’s consistently and strongly expressed wishes not to have contact with CP, the absence of evidence of manipulation or alienation by M, and the likelihood that further proceedings would cause emotional harm and entrench resistance, the court determined that continuing the application or ordering therapy would not serve the children’s welfare. No order is made on CP’s applications except for arrangements for memory boxes and updates.

Court Disposition

Application dismissed (no order made on contact); ancillary orders for memory boxes and updates.

Orders

  • No order on CP’s applications for contact or child arrangements
  • M to facilitate memory boxes for each child for CP to send letters, cards, and photographs