X v Y

X v Y

The court found that both children’s wishes were clear and genuinely expressed in favour of increased time with their father and remaining in London. The proposed adjustment to a 7/7 shared care model and selection of London-based schools best met the children’s welfare needs, educational requirements, and maintained stability. The mother’s shifting positions undermined her opposition to increased paternal time. The father’s proposed schools were found to be more suitable, especially for S’s SEN needs, and logistically preferable.

Parties
Applicant: X; Respondent: Y
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 August 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Final Judgment
Outcome
Application for internal relocation refused; joint 'lives with' order granted; increased time with father ordered; school choices determined in favour of father's proposals.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Internal Relocation, Shared Care, School Choice, Welfare of the Child
Family Law Children Law Child Arrangements Internal Relocation Shared Care School Choice Welfare of the Child

Case Brief

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Parties

X

Applicant

Y

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to permit internal relocation of children
  2. 2 Whether to increase time with father to achieve equal shared care
  3. 3 Determination of schools the children should attend

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that both children’s wishes were clear and genuinely expressed in favour of increased time with their father and remaining in London. The proposed adjustment to a 7/7 shared care model and selection of London-based schools best met the children’s welfare needs, educational requirements, and maintained stability. The mother’s shifting positions undermined her opposition to increased paternal time. The father’s proposed schools were found to be more suitable, especially for S’s SEN needs, and logistically preferable.

Court Disposition

Application for internal relocation refused; joint 'lives with' order granted; increased time with father ordered; school choices determined in favour of father's proposals.

Orders

  • Children to live with both parents under a joint 'lives with' order.
  • Children to remain at current school until Year 9, then transition to specified London-based schools (School F or K or H for R; School G or J for S).