F v M & Ors [2026] EWFC 48 (B) (08 January 2026)

F v M & Ors [2026] EWFC 48 (B) (08 January 2026)

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour and emotional intimidation towards the mother, lacked insight into his actions, and made malicious or false allegations against the mother. Allegations by the father of intentional harm, sexual risk, or...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 48 (B)
Parties
Applicant: F; First Respondent (mother): M; Second to Fourth Respondents (through Children's Guardian): The Children (C1, C2, C3)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
08 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Private Law Children Proceedings (child Arrangements/fact Finding) / Fact Finding Judgment Following Contested Hearing
Outcome
Findings of fact made; allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour by father proved; allegations of intentional harm, sexual risk, or neglect by mother not proved; further welfare hearing to determine child arrangements.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Domestic Abuse (coercive and Controlling Behaviour), Fact Finding Hearings, Parental Responsibility, Contact Orders, Section 91(14) Orders
Family Law Children Law Child Arrangements Domestic Abuse (coercive and Controlling Behaviour) Fact Finding Hearings Parental Responsibility Contact Orders Section 91(14) Orders

Source-derived case record

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 7 Authorities cited 19 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

F

Applicant

M

First Respondent (mother)

The Children (C1, C2, C3)

Second to Fourth Respondents (through Children's Guardian)

Procedural Posture

Private Law Children Proceedings (child Arrangements/fact Finding) / Fact Finding Judgment Following Contested Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother
  2. 2 Whether the mother caused intentional physical or emotional harm to the children
  3. 3 Whether either parent made malicious or false allegations to police or agencies

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour and emotional intimidation towards the mother, lacked insight into his actions, and made malicious or false allegations against the mother. Allegations by the father of intentional harm, sexual risk, or neglect by the mother were not proved. Both parents contributed to some disruption of contact, but the mother's actions were not found to be malicious. The findings inform future welfare decisions regarding the children's best interests.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made; allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour by father proved; allegations of intentional harm, sexual risk, or neglect by mother not proved; further welfare hearing to determine child arrangements.

Orders

  • Fact-finding schedule to be appended to judgment and circulated to parties.
  • Opportunity for submissions on interim contact and potential non-molestation order for mother.