GF (A Minor), Re
[2023] EWFC 203 (B)
A, Re
13 December 2023
[2023] EWHC 3534 (Fam)
High Court
A court decided to remove a father's parental rights because he was abusive, had a criminal record, and didn't care for his baby daughter. The court sent the decision to the father by email and post. They didn't make the father pay court costs.
Key Facts
- •Application to terminate father's parental responsibility for a girl, A, born in summer 2022.
- •Father's name is on the birth certificate.
- •History of abuse by the father towards the mother.
- •Father has serious criminal convictions and has shown no interest in A's life.
- •Mother is habitually resident in England and Wales.
- •Father was aware of the hearing and application.
Legal Principles
Reluctance to terminate parental responsibility where father's name is on birth certificate.
Judge's comments
Jurisdiction based on child's habitual residence in England and Wales.
Judge's comments
Termination of parental responsibility considered in the best interests of the child.
Judge's comments and case authorities cited by counsel
Outcomes
Father's parental responsibility revoked.
Father showed no interest in child, caused trouble for mother, and revoking responsibility is in child's best interests.
Order to be served on father via recorded delivery post and email.
Last known address and email address provided; other contact details unavailable.
No order for costs.
Father unlikely to pay, pursuing costs may be more expensive than recovery.