F v M & Ors

F v M & Ors

The allegations of physical harm made by the children against their father are not proved on the balance of probabilities due to suspicious timing, lack of contemporaneous corroboration, and context. The mother engaged in deliberate alienating behaviours, including fabricating messages, manipulating the children, exposing them to inappropriate information, unilaterally changing schools, and causing emotional harm. The mother influenced the children to make false allegations to the police to obstruct contact, and excluded the father from significant decisions. The children suffered significant emotional harm attributable to the mother's actions.

Parties
Applicant: F; First Respondent: M; Second and Third Respondents: A and B
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
04 April 2025
Procedural Posture
Child Arrangements Order / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Children's allegations against their father not proved; findings of alienating behaviours and emotional harm against the mother proved.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Parental Alienation, Emotional Harm, Fact Finding, Welfare of Children
Family Law Child Arrangements Parental Alienation Emotional Harm Fact Finding Welfare of Children

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 3 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

F

Applicant

M

First Respondent

A and B

Second and Third Respondents

Procedural Posture

Child Arrangements Order / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether allegations of physical harm by children against their father are proved
  2. 2 Whether the mother engaged in alienating behaviours causing emotional harm to the children
  3. 3 Whether the mother influenced or coached the children to make false allegations

Ratio Decidendi

The allegations of physical harm made by the children against their father are not proved on the balance of probabilities due to suspicious timing, lack of contemporaneous corroboration, and context. The mother engaged in deliberate alienating behaviours, including fabricating messages, manipulating the children, exposing them to inappropriate information, unilaterally changing schools, and causing emotional harm. The mother influenced the children to make false allegations to the police to obstruct contact, and excluded the father from significant decisions. The children suffered significant emotional harm attributable to the mother's actions.

Court Disposition

Children's allegations against their father not proved; findings of alienating behaviours and emotional harm against the mother proved.

Orders

  • Invite submissions as to what welfare evidence is required for interim and/or final decisions for the children.
  • Case returned and reserved to District Judge Montanaro for further proceedings.