Hannah Markham KC and Madeleine Whelan were recently successful in the High Court in an appeal against a fact-finding decision involving domestic abuse.
In Re C (A Child) [2025] EWHC 1648 (Fam), the mother appealed a fact-finding decision that rejected most of her domestic and sexual abuse allegations against the father. While the judge found some emotionally harmful and controlling behaviour, he did not find a pattern of coercive control.
The appeal was substantively dismissed. The High Court held that the trial judge’s conclusions were reasonable and did not warrant interference. The case highlights the high bar necessary when considering overturning findings of fact in family law and the deeply damaging impact of long-running and protracted litigation to children.
Judgment can be viewed here.
Further information
For more information from the family team, contact clerks@36family.co.uk
