Family
Private Wealth
May 2025
Lawrence Stephens’ Family team, led by Co-Head of Family Eleanor Wood, recently acted for the Respondent parent in the reported Family Court case of M v F [2025] EWFC 114 (B).
A fact-finding hearing as part of child arrangement proceedings, the four-day hearing concerned allegations of long-standing abuse and controlling behaviour made my Lawrence Stephens’ client (Parent M) against their former partner. These included allegations of physical abuse (one of which lead to police involvement), emotional abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and sexual abuse.
The Applicant (Parent F) contested these allegations, however the judge noted that their evidence was “remarkably inconsistent and lacking in credibility.” The Applicant’s argument that the allegations were financially motivated and intended to block their contact with their child was also rejected by the court.
Concluding her judgment, HHJ Owens upheld all allegations of abuse behaviour made by the Respondent parent, with the case proceeding to determine what arrangements are in the best interest of the child.
The full judgment can be read here.