F v M

F v M

Neither parent proved allegations of coercive control to the required standard; both have behaved poorly and exposed the children to adult conflict. F has failed to promote the children’s relationship with M and ensure regular school attendance, and has made serious false allegations. M has not been proved to have emotionally or physically abused the children. The nanny has contributed negatively to the children’s relationship with M and school attendance. Both parents have failed to protect the children from harm arising from their conflict. F breached the child arrangements order without reasonable excuse, but enforcement is suspended pending welfare resolution.

Parties
Applicant: F; First Respondent: M; Second, Third and Fourth Respondents: A, B and C (children, represented through Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Children Act Proceedings (fact Finding Hearing) / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Fact-finding; findings made as set out; enforcement of child arrangements order suspended pending welfare hearing.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Parental Alienation, Coercive Control, Domestic Abuse, School Attendance, Welfare of the Child
Family Law Children Law Child Arrangements Parental Alienation Coercive Control Domestic Abuse School Attendance Welfare of the Child

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 7 Authorities cited 14 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

F

Applicant

M

First Respondent

A, B and C (children, represented through Guardian)

Second, Third and Fourth Respondents

Procedural Posture

Children Act Proceedings (fact Finding Hearing) / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether M emotionally abused or exposed the children to risk of emotional harm
  2. 2 Whether M was coercive and controlling towards F and the children
  3. 3 Whether M influenced the children against F

Ratio Decidendi

Neither parent proved allegations of coercive control to the required standard; both have behaved poorly and exposed the children to adult conflict. F has failed to promote the children’s relationship with M and ensure regular school attendance, and has made serious false allegations. M has not been proved to have emotionally or physically abused the children. The nanny has contributed negatively to the children’s relationship with M and school attendance. Both parents have failed to protect the children from harm arising from their conflict. F breached the child arrangements order without reasonable excuse, but enforcement is suspended pending welfare resolution.

Court Disposition

Fact-finding; findings made as set out; enforcement of child arrangements order suspended pending welfare hearing.

Orders

  • Findings of fact as set out in judgment
  • Suspension of enforcement of child arrangements order until further order