RT v GT

RT v GT

The father deliberately stranded the mother and child in Morocco by failing to renew the mother's visa, lying about the process, and initiating divorce proceedings in secret, thereby exploiting her vulnerability. He engaged in controlling financial behaviour as a precursor to abandonment, failed to provide financial support, and lied to the Moroccan court about his income. The court has no jurisdiction to order child maintenance due to CMS exclusivity but can order a lump sum and financial disclosure.

Parties
Applicant: RT; Respondent: GT
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Wardship and Schedule 1 Children Act Proceedings / Fact Finding Hearing and Interim Financial Relief Determination
Outcome
Findings of fact made in favour of the applicant on stranding, financial control, abandonment, and lying to the Moroccan court; application for child maintenance dismissed for lack of jurisdiction; lump sum and disclosure orders granted.
Legal Topics
Wardship, Transnational Marriage Abandonment, Domestic Abuse, Child Maintenance, Jurisdiction, Financial Relief
Family Law Children Law International Family Law Wardship Transnational Marriage Abandonment Domestic Abuse Child Maintenance Jurisdiction +1 more

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Parties

RT

Applicant

GT

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Wardship and Schedule 1 Children Act Proceedings / Fact Finding Hearing and Interim Financial Relief Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the respondent stranded the applicant and child in Morocco
  2. 2 Whether the respondent engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour including financial abuse
  3. 3 Whether the respondent lied to the Moroccan court about his income

Ratio Decidendi

The father deliberately stranded the mother and child in Morocco by failing to renew the mother's visa, lying about the process, and initiating divorce proceedings in secret, thereby exploiting her vulnerability. He engaged in controlling financial behaviour as a precursor to abandonment, failed to provide financial support, and lied to the Moroccan court about his income. The court has no jurisdiction to order child maintenance due to CMS exclusivity but can order a lump sum and financial disclosure.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made in favour of the applicant on stranding, financial control, abandonment, and lying to the Moroccan court; application for child maintenance dismissed for lack of jurisdiction; lump sum and disclosure orders granted.

Orders

  • Father to pay lump sum of £3,250 to the mother for legal fees and visa application
  • Father to provide financial disclosure