A (A Child) (Fact-finding: domestic abuse and alienating behaviour), Re [2026] EWFC 58 (B) (09 March 2026)

A (A Child) (Fact-finding: domestic abuse and alienating behaviour), Re [2026] EWFC 58 (B) (09 March 2026)

The court found that the allegations of sexual and physical abuse made by M against F were not substantiated on the balance of probabilities. The evidence did not support a finding of sexual abuse or serious physical harm by F. The court found that M had, through her anxiety and actions, contributed to A's negative views of F and had failed to consult F on key decisions, but did not find deliberate fabrication or malicious alienation. The court concluded that A's emotional harm arose from the ongoing parental conflict and M's over-involvement, not from proven abuse by F.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 58 (B)
Parties
Applicant: F; First Respondent: M; Second Respondent: A
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Private Law Children Proceedings (fact Finding) / Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
Allegations of sexual and physical abuse by F not proved; allegations of deliberate alienation by M not proved; findings of emotional harm to A due to parental conflict and M's over-involvement.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Fact Finding, Domestic Abuse, Parental Alienation, Contact Disputes
Family Law Child Arrangements Fact Finding Domestic Abuse Parental Alienation Contact Disputes

Case Brief

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Parties

F

Applicant

M

First Respondent

A

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Private Law Children Proceedings (fact Finding) / Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether F sexually or physically abused A
  2. 2 Whether M engaged in alienating behaviour against F
  3. 3 Whether M manipulated A or professionals to frustrate contact

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the allegations of sexual and physical abuse made by M against F were not substantiated on the balance of probabilities. The evidence did not support a finding of sexual abuse or serious physical harm by F. The court found that M had, through her anxiety and actions, contributed to A's negative views of F and had failed to consult F on key decisions, but did not find deliberate fabrication or malicious alienation. The court concluded that A's emotional harm arose from the ongoing parental conflict and M's over-involvement, not from proven abuse by F.

Court Disposition

Allegations of sexual and physical abuse by F not proved; allegations of deliberate alienation by M not proved; findings of emotional harm to A due to parental conflict and M's over-involvement.

Orders

  • No findings of sexual or physical abuse against F.
  • No findings of deliberate fabrication or alienation against M.