Latest updates
- The mother wrongfully removed the son to the UK. Her application for asylum on the basis of being a victim of domestic violence was granted on appeal. The father was applying under the Hague Convention for summary return, and in this hearing applied for disclosure of the asylum files relating to the mother and child, contending that his Article 6 and 8 rights could not otherwise be preserved. The Secretary of State for the Home Department resisted disclosure. HHJ Corbett was satisfied that the impact of disclosure upon the asylum process would outweigh the impact of non-disclosure on the Article 6 and 8 rights of the father and child. The application for disclosure was refused. Judgment, 05/09/2019, free
- The mother applied to change the daughter's surname to that of her second husband. As well as applying for contact under article 21 of the Hague Convention, the father wanted to know the daughter's school and GP. He had a history of violent and threatening behaviour towards the mother and child. Theis J decided that the mother should be permitted to withhold that information, but refused the application to change the daughter's surname, because such a step would not meet her welfare needs. Judgment, 13/08/2019, free
- The father of the two girls, one of whom was in voluntary care, the other living with the mother, had made serious and unfounded allegations against the mother and HHJ Tolson QC. He was now making multiple applications for permission to appeal. Knowles J decided that all the applications were without merit, and none should be granted. He made an extended civil restraint order preventing the father from making any further applications. Judgment, 08/07/2019, free
- The father sought permission to appeal against a decision with findings of fact that he had demonstrated controlling and coercive behaviour, undermining and assaulting the mother. Williams J was satisfied that HHJ Plunkett was justified in reaching the conclusions that he did. The father's acquittal for assault in the Crown Court was not inconsistent with the finding on the balance of probabilities that he had pushed the mother to the ground. The father was not focusing on his son's best interests. There was no merit in any of the grounds of appeal, and permission to appeal was refused. Judgment, 22/06/2019, free
- Risk assessment is inadequate and victims are told to limit number of allegations, letter to MoJ states News, 29/05/2019, free
Latest know-how
- Case note regarding a fact-finding hearing in which the mother’s allegations against the father were all made out. Case note, 30/07/2019, members only
- In a tweet: Successful application by a father (“F”) for return of the child to a state other than the one in which the family had been habitually resident when the wrongful removal occurred. Case note, 08/07/2019, free
- In a tweet: Proper approach when accused is to cross-examine their accuser Case note, 26/10/2018, members only
- In a tweet: Damages and injunctions in deceit, harassment and privacy breach claims Case note, 11/04/2018, members only
- In a tweet: Re-opening findings of fact after criminal conviction Case note, 19/01/2018, members only
Latest training
- Roshi Amiraftabi of 29 Bedford Row, reviews the key private children law cases, themes and practice developments from the past 12 months. Webcast, 31/05/2018, members only
- In this webcast, which was first presented on 16 July 2015, Anton Eriera from 29 Bedford Row talks about domestic violence cases and the most recent developments in this area of law. Webcast, 31/07/2015, members only
Latest sources
- Form (external), 05/04/2017, free
- This guidance, issued by Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division on 18 January 2017, supersedes previous guidance issued on 13 October 2014. It states that making without notice injunctions for an unlimited time is wrong and must stop, then sets out the correct approach. Practice direction, 18/01/2017, free
- Form (external), 01/09/2009, free