Re P (Abduction: Child's Objections)

Re P (Abduction: Child's Objections)

It was not in P's best interests to be joined as a party because his views were fully and independently presented to the court through the Cafcass officer and the evidence available. The judge properly exercised his discretion in ordering return, giving adequate consideration to P's objections and all relevant factors. The appeal is dismissed.

Parties
Proposed Appellant: P (the oldest child); Respondent: Father; Mother/respondent: Mother
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 February 2020
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From High Court (family Division)
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Child Abduction, Hague Convention 1980, Child's Objections, Return Orders, Joinder of Children as Parties

Case Brief

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Parties

P (the oldest child)

Proposed Appellant

Father

Respondent

Mother

Mother/respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From High Court (family Division)

  1. 1 Whether the oldest child (P) should have been joined as a party to the proceedings below
  2. 2 Whether the judge was wrong to order P's return to Germany despite his objections

Ratio Decidendi

It was not in P's best interests to be joined as a party because his views were fully and independently presented to the court through the Cafcass officer and the evidence available. The judge properly exercised his discretion in ordering return, giving adequate consideration to P's objections and all relevant factors. The appeal is dismissed.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Application for P to be joined as a party is refused
  • Order for return of the children to Germany is upheld