MZA v FHB (No 2) (private law - fact-find)

MZA v FHB (No 2) (private law - fact-find)

The court found, on a balance of probabilities, that the father engaged in a sustained pattern of physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and litigation abuse against the mother and children, amounting to coercive and controlling behaviour. The evidence established that the father's conduct justified extension of the non-molestation order and required safeguarding measures for child contact.

Parties
Applicant: MZA; Respondent: FHB
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Family Law Private Law Children and Non Molestation Order / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Findings of abuse proved against the father; extension of non-molestation order granted.
Legal Topics
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Non Molestation Orders, Child Arrangements, Financial Abuse, Credibility Assessment, Practice Direction 12 J
Family Law Child Protection Domestic Abuse Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Non Molestation Orders Child Arrangements Financial Abuse Credibility Assessment +1 more

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 4 Authorities cited 10 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 8
Sign in to unlock

Parties

MZA

Applicant

FHB

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family Law Private Law Children and Non Molestation Order / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father engaged in physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and litigation abuse against the mother and children
  2. 2 Whether the father's conduct constituted coercive and controlling behaviour under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
  3. 3 Whether the non-molestation order should be extended

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on a balance of probabilities, that the father engaged in a sustained pattern of physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and litigation abuse against the mother and children, amounting to coercive and controlling behaviour. The evidence established that the father's conduct justified extension of the non-molestation order and required safeguarding measures for child contact.

Court Disposition

Findings of abuse proved against the father; extension of non-molestation order granted.

Orders

  • Non-molestation order extended for 12 months
  • Directions for safeguarding in child contact arrangements