C v D

Tom Wilson (instructed by Mills & Reeve) for the Applicant Marisa Allman (instructed by Hanne & Co) for the Respondent Hearing dates: 10-13th June 2025 Judgment date: 2nd July 2025 ____________________

Describing the parties' relationship after 2019 he said ' I truly wanted to keep [C] as my best friend�I felt older now important to have good friends. For periods I tried to create a distance, a new way for us when it became a bit too intense, setting boundaries�we had long periods when we spoke less after 2019'. D was clear that after 2019 they did not have an intimate relationship and if they shared beds it was due to practicalities rather than any continuance of their relationship. He denied any conversation with C about how there were going to be daddies.

Ms Allman submits if the court accepts D's account of the history the application for a child arrangements order should be dismissed. She recognises there would need to be an explanation to the children about C, who he was and what role he played but that can be done by D. It is not, she submits, a reason for the court to make a child arrangements order. An order for no contact would have limited impact on the children, as regards any longer term welfare need for an explanation this can be undertaken by D. As Ms Allman submits 'This is part of normal life�'.