Father v Mother

Father v Mother

The court found all allegations of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, by the father against the mother and children proven. The evidence of the mother and her relative was credible and consistent, while the father's evidence was dishonest and unreliable. The risk to the children and mother...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Applicant: Father; Respondent: Mother
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 April 2025
Procedural Posture
Family Law Children / Final Hearing and Judgment
Outcome
All of the mother's applications granted; all of the father's applications refused or dismissed; costs awarded to the mother.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Child Arrangements, Parental Responsibility, Non Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Change of Name, Section 91(14) Bar, Costs Orders
Family Law Child Protection Domestic Abuse Child Arrangements Parental Responsibility Non Molestation Orders Prohibited Steps Orders Change of Name +2 more

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Father

Applicant

Mother

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family Law Children / Final Hearing and Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father perpetrated domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, against the mother and children
  2. 2 Whether the mother should be granted sole care and parental responsibility for the children
  3. 3 Whether the father should be prohibited from contact with the children

Ratio Decidendi

The court found all allegations of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, by the father against the mother and children proven. The evidence of the mother and her relative was credible and consistent, while the father's evidence was dishonest and unreliable. The risk to the children and mother from the father is ongoing and serious. The children's welfare requires that they live with their mother, have no contact with the father, and that the mother's parental responsibility be enhanced and the father's restricted. The mother is permitted to change the children's surname. A section 91(14) bar is necessary to prevent further abusive litigation. The father's conduct...

Court Disposition

All of the mother's applications granted; all of the father's applications refused or dismissed; costs awarded to the mother.

Orders

  • Children to live with the mother (live-with child arrangements order)
  • No contact between the father and the children