Reuben (A Child), Re

Reuben (A Child), Re

Reuben's welfare is best served by a joint lives-with order, with majority time spent with his father, due to evidence of thriving in father's care, impaired ability of mother to meet emotional needs, entrenched litigation history, and professional recommendations. Emotional harm from ongoing litigation and mother's rigid narrative necessitates a s.91(14) order to provide respite and stability. No change of school is ordered, and communication between Reuben and the non-resident parent is regulated to reduce stress.

Parties
Applicant: Daniel; Respondent: Jane; Subject: Reuben (A Child)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Child Arrangements Order / Final Judgment
Outcome
Final Child Arrangements Order granted; joint lives-with order; s.91(14) order imposed; specific issue order re school; communication regulated.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Residence, Contact, Section 91(14) Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Welfare Checklist, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Child Arrangements Residence Contact Section 91(14) Orders Specific Issue Orders Welfare Checklist Autism Spectrum Disorder +1 more

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Parties

Daniel

Applicant

Jane

Respondent

Reuben (A Child)

Subject

Procedural Posture

Child Arrangements Order / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether there should be a change of residence
  2. 2 What time Reuben should spend with his non-resident parent
  3. 3 What school Reuben should attend

Ratio Decidendi

Reuben's welfare is best served by a joint lives-with order, with majority time spent with his father, due to evidence of thriving in father's care, impaired ability of mother to meet emotional needs, entrenched litigation history, and professional recommendations. Emotional harm from ongoing litigation and mother's rigid narrative necessitates a s.91(14) order to provide respite and stability. No change of school is ordered, and communication between Reuben and the non-resident parent is regulated to reduce stress.

Court Disposition

Final Child Arrangements Order granted; joint lives-with order; s.91(14) order imposed; specific issue order re school; communication regulated.

Orders

  • All previous child arrangements orders discharged forthwith.
  • Reuben shall live with both parents; majority time with father (approx. 61%/39%).