F v M [2025] EWHC 621 (Fam) (17 March 2025)

F v M [2025] EWHC 621 (Fam) (17 March 2025)

The court found that F did not engage in coercive or controlling behaviour towards M. The evidence, including text messages, oral testimony, and the parties' conduct, did not support M's allegations. The court found M's allegations diffuse, unclear, and not pursued with conviction, and concluded that M was under pressure from her family to make such allegations. The court held that F's actions were motivated by legitimate concerns for his son's welfare and not by a desire to control or subordinate M. The court dismissed all allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and physical violence against F.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 621 (Fam)
Parties
Applicant: F; Respondent: M
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 March 2025
Procedural Posture
Family Law Fact Finding Hearing / Judgment After Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
All allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and physical violence against F are dismissed.
Legal Topics
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Domestic Abuse, Fact Finding Hearings, Child Arrangements, Cultural Context in Family Disputes
Family Law Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Domestic Abuse Fact Finding Hearings Child Arrangements Cultural Context in Family Disputes

Case Brief

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Parties

F

Applicant

M

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family Law Fact Finding Hearing / Judgment After Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether F engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards M
  2. 2 Whether allegations of physical violence by F against M are substantiated
  3. 3 Impact of family dynamics and cultural background on the parties' relationship

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that F did not engage in coercive or controlling behaviour towards M. The evidence, including text messages, oral testimony, and the parties' conduct, did not support M's allegations. The court found M's allegations diffuse, unclear, and not pursued with conviction, and concluded that M was under pressure from her family to make such allegations. The court held that F's actions were motivated by legitimate concerns for his son's welfare and not by a desire to control or subordinate M. The court dismissed all allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and physical violence against F.

Court Disposition

All allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and physical violence against F are dismissed.

Orders

  • No findings of domestic abuse or controlling behaviour are made against F.
  • The fact-finding hearing is concluded; further directions to be determined in subsequent proceedings.