A, Re Child

A, Re Child

The mother's pattern of pathological lying, deception, and lack of insight constitutes emotional and psychological abuse, posing a real risk to the child's welfare. The father is found to be honest and capable of safeguarding the child, and the child's best interests require primary residence with the father, with structured and monitored contact with the mother subject to compliance with therapeutic intervention.

Parties
Applicant: Mother; Respondent: Father
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Act 1989 Proceedings / Final Judgment After Composite Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing
Outcome
Child to live with father; structured contact with mother subject to compliance with therapy; prohibited steps order granted.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Parental Mental Health, Domestic Abuse, Personality Disorders, Prohibited Steps Order, Therapeutic Intervention
Family Law Child Welfare Domestic Abuse Child Arrangements Parental Mental Health Personality Disorders Prohibited Steps Order Therapeutic Intervention

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Parties

Mother

Applicant

Father

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Children Act 1989 Proceedings / Final Judgment After Composite Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the mother's mental health and pathological lying pose a risk to the child's welfare
  2. 2 Whether the father's alleged abusive behaviour affects his ability to parent
  3. 3 Appropriate child arrangements and safeguarding measures

Ratio Decidendi

The mother's pattern of pathological lying, deception, and lack of insight constitutes emotional and psychological abuse, posing a real risk to the child's welfare. The father is found to be honest and capable of safeguarding the child, and the child's best interests require primary residence with the father, with structured and monitored contact with the mother subject to compliance with therapeutic intervention.

Court Disposition

Child to live with father; structured contact with mother subject to compliance with therapy; prohibited steps order granted.

Orders

  • A shall live with her father.
  • Mother to have alternate weekend contact and weekly contact, supported by nanny/babysitter.