F v M

F v M

It is necessary and in the welfare interests of A and B to make a Child Arrangements Order specifying that they live with F until age 18, with no prescriptive order for time spent with M, due to M's mental health issues, lack of engagement, and evidence that F can meet the children's needs and promote their relationship with M safely and flexibly.

Parties
Applicant: F; Respondent: M; Interested Party: Oxfordshire County Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Act Private Law Proceedings / Final Hearing
Outcome
Child Arrangements Order made for A and B to live with F; no order for time spent with M.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements Order, Welfare Checklist, No Order Principle, Parental Mental Health, Contact Arrangements
Family Law Child Welfare Child Arrangements Order Welfare Checklist No Order Principle Parental Mental Health Contact Arrangements

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Parties

F

Applicant

M

Respondent

Oxfordshire County Council

Interested Party

Procedural Posture

Children Act Private Law Proceedings / Final Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a Child Arrangements Order should specify that A and B live with F
  2. 2 Whether an order should specify arrangements for A and B to spend time with M
  3. 3 Assessment of risk and harm to A and B in M's care

Ratio Decidendi

It is necessary and in the welfare interests of A and B to make a Child Arrangements Order specifying that they live with F until age 18, with no prescriptive order for time spent with M, due to M's mental health issues, lack of engagement, and evidence that F can meet the children's needs and promote their relationship with M safely and flexibly.

Court Disposition

Child Arrangements Order made for A and B to live with F; no order for time spent with M.

Orders

  • A and B to live with F until age 18
  • No order specifying arrangements for time spent with M