P v M & Ors

P v M & Ors

The principal cause of the contact difficulties is the father's behaviour, which has been emotionally abusive, coercive, controlling, and economically abusive. The mother has not alienated the children or obstructed contact. The welfare of the children requires continued supervised contact and both parents' engagement in a Parenting Apart Programme tailored to the findings.

Parties
Applicant: P; 1st Respondent: M; 2nd and 3rd Respondents: S & A (Minors, by their NYAS caseworker)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Family / Final Judgment After Fact Finding and Welfare Hearings
Outcome
Application for unsupervised contact refused; findings of domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, and economic abuse made against the father; supervised contact to continue; both parents to engage in Parenting Apart Programme; costs orders made.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Domestic Abuse, Parental Alienation, Contact Orders, Expert Evidence
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Domestic Abuse Parental Alienation Contact Orders Expert Evidence

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Parties

P

Applicant

M

1st Respondent

S & A (Minors, by their NYAS caseworker)

2nd and 3rd Respondents

Procedural Posture

Family / Final Judgment After Fact Finding and Welfare Hearings

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the mother obstructed contact or alienated the children from the father
  2. 2 Whether the father engaged in domestic abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, or emotional harm
  3. 3 Appropriate arrangements for contact and parental intervention

Ratio Decidendi

The principal cause of the contact difficulties is the father's behaviour, which has been emotionally abusive, coercive, controlling, and economically abusive. The mother has not alienated the children or obstructed contact. The welfare of the children requires continued supervised contact and both parents' engagement in a Parenting Apart Programme tailored to the findings.

Court Disposition

Application for unsupervised contact refused; findings of domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, and economic abuse made against the father; supervised contact to continue; both parents to engage in Parenting Apart Programme; costs orders made.

Orders

  • Father to pay for the Parenting Apart Programme (PAP)
  • Father to pay for the costs of supervision of contact