GM v VB

GM v VB

The judge was wrong to vacate the fact finding hearing, direct the ISW to prepare a plan for re-establishment of contact, and order unsupervised video contact, as there remained a significant gulf between the parties' accounts relevant to risk and welfare, and the necessary procedural safeguards were not followed.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: GM; Respondent: VB
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
19 May 2025
Procedural Posture
Family Appeal / Appeal Against Case Management Orders
Outcome
Appeal allowed; orders set aside; case remitted for further directions.
Legal Topics
Case Management, Fact Finding Hearings, Domestic Abuse, Child Arrangements, Risk Assessment
Family Law Child Law Case Management Fact Finding Hearings Domestic Abuse Child Arrangements Risk Assessment

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

GM

Appellant

VB

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family Appeal / Appeal Against Case Management Orders

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the judge erred in vacating the fact finding hearing
  2. 2 Whether the judge erred in directing the ISW to prepare a plan for re-establishment of contact
  3. 3 Whether the judge erred in ordering unsupervised video contact

Ratio Decidendi

The judge was wrong to vacate the fact finding hearing, direct the ISW to prepare a plan for re-establishment of contact, and order unsupervised video contact, as there remained a significant gulf between the parties' accounts relevant to risk and welfare, and the necessary procedural safeguards were not followed.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; orders set aside; case remitted for further directions.

Orders

  • Set aside the orders for vacating the fact finding hearing, ISW plan for contact, and unsupervised video contact.
  • Remit the case to Ms. Justice Henke for allocation and next steps.