Father v Mother

Father v Mother

The court found the father's conduct constituted coercive and controlling behaviour, psychological abuse, and DARVO, both during the relationship and post-separation, including through litigation. The father's allegations against the mother were unsubstantiated, not amounting to domestic abuse or alienating behaviour. The father's actions caused significant harm to the mother and child, including emotional distress, PTSD, and physical harm. The father's litigation conduct was a continuation of abuse. The burns sustained by the child occurred in the father's care, and he failed to seek medical treatment. The mother's allegations were proved to the requisite standard; the father's were not.

Parties
Applicant: Father; Respondent: Mother
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 September 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
Mother's allegations proved; father's allegations dismissed.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Parental Responsibility, Fact Finding, Parental Alienation, Lawfare, Non Molestation Orders
Family Law Child Protection Domestic Abuse Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Parental Responsibility Fact Finding Parental Alienation Lawfare +1 more

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Parties

Father

Applicant

Mother

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father subjected the mother to coercive and controlling behaviour
  2. 2 Whether the father's conduct amounted to DARVO
  3. 3 Whether the father's allegations of alienating behaviour and controlling conduct by the mother are substantiated

Ratio Decidendi

The court found the father's conduct constituted coercive and controlling behaviour, psychological abuse, and DARVO, both during the relationship and post-separation, including through litigation. The father's allegations against the mother were unsubstantiated, not amounting to domestic abuse or alienating behaviour. The father's actions caused significant harm to the mother and child, including emotional distress, PTSD, and physical harm. The father's litigation conduct was a continuation of abuse. The burns sustained by the child occurred in the father's care, and he failed to seek medical treatment. The mother's allegations were proved to the requisite standard; the father's were not.

Court Disposition

Mother's allegations proved; father's allegations dismissed.

Orders

  • Non-molestation order extended until next hearing
  • Directions for parties regarding communication with the court