MGP & Anor v M

MGP & Anor v M

The girls' welfare and best interests are best served by remaining living with the Applicants in Bristol, with regular and quality contact with the Respondent. The change of circumstances, parental capability, and the girls' wishes and feelings weigh against relocation to City A. A special guardianship order is not warranted; a 'lives with' order in favour of the Applicants is more proportionate, requiring the parties to work together as equal stakeholders in parenting.

Parties
Applicant: MGP; Applicant: MGM; Respondent: M
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Final Judgment
Outcome
Child arrangements order granted: girls to live with Applicants and spend time with Respondent; special guardianship order refused.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Special Guardianship, Internal Relocation, Parental Responsibility, Welfare Principle
Family Law Child Arrangements Special Guardianship Internal Relocation Parental Responsibility Welfare Principle

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 5 Authorities cited 4 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

MGP

Applicant

MGM

Applicant

M

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a special guardianship order or a child arrangements order is in the best interests of the children
  2. 2 Whether the children should relocate to live with the Respondent in City A or remain with the Applicants in Bristol
  3. 3 Assessment of parental capability and risk of harm

Ratio Decidendi

The girls' welfare and best interests are best served by remaining living with the Applicants in Bristol, with regular and quality contact with the Respondent. The change of circumstances, parental capability, and the girls' wishes and feelings weigh against relocation to City A. A special guardianship order is not warranted; a 'lives with' order in favour of the Applicants is more proportionate, requiring the parties to work together as equal stakeholders in parenting.

Court Disposition

Child arrangements order granted: girls to live with Applicants and spend time with Respondent; special guardianship order refused.

Orders

  • Girls to live with Applicants in Bristol
  • Regular contact with Respondent, including monthly weekends in City A with return by 4-5pm