F v M

F v M

The court found the father engaged in a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother, including sexual coercion, verbal abuse, financial control, malicious allegations, and manipulation of proceedings. The father's allegations against the mother were found to be malicious, exaggerated, and unsubstantiated. The mother was found to be a credible witness and not a risk to L. Direct contact between father and L was not ordered due to risk to L and mother; indirect contact reduced. Non-molestation order extended.

Parties
Applicant: F; 1st Respondent: M
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Act and Family Law Act Proceedings / Fact Finding and Final Hearing
Outcome
Father's enforcement application dismissed; findings made against father for coercive and controlling behaviour; non-molestation order extended; indirect contact reduced; section 7 report ordered.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Non Molestation Order, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Enforcement of Contact Orders
Family Law Child Welfare Domestic Abuse Child Arrangements Non Molestation Order Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Enforcement of Contact Orders

Case Brief

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Parties

F

Applicant

M

1st Respondent

Procedural Posture

Children Act and Family Law Act Proceedings / Fact Finding and Final Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father or mother poses a risk to L's welfare
  2. 2 Whether the father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour
  3. 3 Whether the mother obstructed contact between father and L

Ratio Decidendi

The court found the father engaged in a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother, including sexual coercion, verbal abuse, financial control, malicious allegations, and manipulation of proceedings. The father's allegations against the mother were found to be malicious, exaggerated, and unsubstantiated. The mother was found to be a credible witness and not a risk to L. Direct contact between father and L was not ordered due to risk to L and mother; indirect contact reduced. Non-molestation order extended.

Court Disposition

Father's enforcement application dismissed; findings made against father for coercive and controlling behaviour; non-molestation order extended; indirect contact reduced; section 7 report ordered.

Orders

  • Non-molestation order extended to July 2026
  • Indirect video contact reduced to once weekly, facilitated by paternal grandmother