Keeping a child near to a Father

Marie represented a Father in a case where he had been sharing care of his young child with the Mother after separation. However, there was then a dispute about an incident between the parents and the Police were called. The Mother alleged domestic violence, which was disputed by the Father, and all contact stopped.

The Mother had started a new relationship in another part of the country, and Marie’s client believed that she was intending to move there with the child, and considered this to be her motivation for her allegation.

On his behalf, Marie made an urgent application to court for a prohibited steps order to prevent the move, which was successful. However, at the next hearing the Local Authority became involved and attended court represented, so the case became more complex. The case is now listed for a fact-finding hearing and interim contact hearing so that contact between the Father and his child can be re-started.