LM (A Child) (Interim Welfare Arrangements)

LM (A Child) (Interim Welfare Arrangements)

Given LM’s age, competence, and clearly expressed wishes, and considering the emotional harm caused by ongoing parental conflict, LM’s best interests are served by living with Ms W and her family with gradually increasing contact with his mother, rather than remaining in foster care or being placed directly with either parent.

Parties
Applicant: LM; 1st Respondent: MM; 2nd Respondent: FM; Intervenor: West Berkshire Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Interim Application for Welfare Arrangements Pending Final Hearing
Outcome
Application granted in part; LM to live with Ms W and her family with increasing contact with MM.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Parental Alienation, Interim Residence, Welfare of the Child, Contact Orders
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Parental Alienation Interim Residence Welfare of the Child Contact Orders

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Parties

LM

Applicant

MM

1st Respondent

FM

2nd Respondent

West Berkshire Council

Intervenor

Procedural Posture

Family / Interim Application for Welfare Arrangements Pending Final Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Where should LM reside pending the final hearing?
  2. 2 Should LM have contact with his mother (MM)?
  3. 3 Is it appropriate for LM to be placed with Ms W and her family?

Ratio Decidendi

Given LM’s age, competence, and clearly expressed wishes, and considering the emotional harm caused by ongoing parental conflict, LM’s best interests are served by living with Ms W and her family with gradually increasing contact with his mother, rather than remaining in foster care or being placed directly with either parent.

Court Disposition

Application granted in part; LM to live with Ms W and her family with increasing contact with MM.

Orders

  • LM to reside with Ms W and her family until further order or until he turns 16.
  • Contact with MM to be gradually increased, initially supervised by Ms W, progressing to unsupervised contact.