M v F

M v F

The court found the father's behaviour towards the mother was coercive and controlling, involving threats of self-harm, physical aggression, and disregard for the emotional harm to the child, and that the father's allegations of abuse by the mother were not proved beyond the limited factual findings. The mother's conduct, while sometimes verbally abusive and critical, was not found to be controlling or designed to subordinate the father.

Parties
Applicant: M; Respondent: F
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Findings of fact made against the father; father's allegations against the mother not proved beyond limited findings; directions for further welfare proceedings.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Parental Responsibility, Contact Arrangements, Coercive Control, Fact Finding Hearings
Family Law Child Welfare Domestic Abuse Parental Responsibility Contact Arrangements Coercive Control Fact Finding Hearings

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 5 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

M

Applicant

F

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother
  2. 2 Whether the mother engaged in abusive behaviour towards the father
  3. 3 Assessment of risk to the child X from parental conduct

Ratio Decidendi

The court found the father's behaviour towards the mother was coercive and controlling, involving threats of self-harm, physical aggression, and disregard for the emotional harm to the child, and that the father's allegations of abuse by the mother were not proved beyond the limited factual findings. The mother's conduct, while sometimes verbally abusive and critical, was not found to be controlling or designed to subordinate the father.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made against the father; father's allegations against the mother not proved beyond limited findings; directions for further welfare proceedings.

Orders

  • Parties to file proposed directions concerning the court’s welfare decision by 16:00 on 19th May 2025
  • Likely preparation of a report under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989