F v M & Ors (Finding of Fact)

F v M & Ors (Finding of Fact)

Father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards mother, emotionally harmed children, failed to comply with court orders, and made malicious false allegations; allegations of physical and sexual abuse and neglect by mother are not proved; mother credible and justified in raising concerns; further welfare analysis required.

Parties
Applicant: F; First Respondent: M; Second Respondent (child): C1; Third Respondent (child): C2; Fourth Respondent (child): C3
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Children Act Proceedings (private Law) / Post Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Fact-finding judgment; findings made against father; further directions hearing ordered.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Domestic Abuse, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Fact Finding, Parental Responsibility, Contact Orders, False Reporting
Family Law Child Arrangements Domestic Abuse Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Fact Finding Parental Responsibility Contact Orders False Reporting

Case Brief

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Parties

F

Applicant

M

First Respondent

C1

Second Respondent (child)

C2

Third Respondent (child)

C3

Fourth Respondent (child)

Procedural Posture

Children Act Proceedings (private Law) / Post Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour
  2. 2 Whether emotional harm to children occurred
  3. 3 Whether allegations of physical and sexual abuse by mother are substantiated

Ratio Decidendi

Father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards mother, emotionally harmed children, failed to comply with court orders, and made malicious false allegations; allegations of physical and sexual abuse and neglect by mother are not proved; mother credible and justified in raising concerns; further welfare analysis required.

Court Disposition

Fact-finding judgment; findings made against father; further directions hearing ordered.

Orders

  • Court makes findings as per schedule attached to judgment.
  • Case to be relisted for further directions hearing with welfare analysis by guardian.