PETITION OF F AGAINST M [2021] ScotCS CSOH_90 (31 August 2021)

PETITION OF F AGAINST M [2021] ScotCS CSOH_90 (31 August 2021)

Despite the parties' formal agreement and stated intention that the children's habitual residence would remain New Zealand, the factual evidence showed that by 3 June 2021 the children had achieved a sufficient degree of integration in Scotland, making Scotland their habitual residence. The Hague Convention was not engaged as the retention was not wrongful.

Citation
[2021] ScotCS CSOH_90
Parties
Petitioner: F; Respondent: M
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
31 August 2021
Procedural Posture
Petition for Return of Children Under Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 / Final Judgment
Outcome
petition dismissed
Legal Topics
Habitual Residence, Hague Convention, Parental Agreement, Wrongful Retention

Case Brief

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Parties

F

Petitioner

M

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Petition for Return of Children Under Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the children were habitually resident in New Zealand or Scotland as at 3 June 2021
  2. 2 Whether retention in Scotland was wrongful under Article 3 of the Hague Convention

Ratio Decidendi

Despite the parties' formal agreement and stated intention that the children's habitual residence would remain New Zealand, the factual evidence showed that by 3 June 2021 the children had achieved a sufficient degree of integration in Scotland, making Scotland their habitual residence. The Hague Convention was not engaged as the retention was not wrongful.

Court Disposition

petition dismissed

Orders

  • plea in law for respondent sustained
  • all questions of expenses reserved