Aidan Vine KC in H v O (Fact-Finding) [2026] EWHC 715 (Fam)
6th Apr 2026 | Cases
Aidan Vine KC, instructed by Stephensons Solicitors for the Respondent mother, led Naima Asif of Pump Court Chambers in H v O (Fact-Finding) [2026] EWHC 715 (Fam); a fact-finding in child contact proceedings, to determine mother’s allegations of domestic abuse against father.
This case concerned a father’s application for contact with his three children under Article 21 of the Hague Convention 1980, following the refusal of his earlier application for summary return. The court conducted a fact-finding hearing to determine allegations of domestic abuse raised by the mother.
Having considered oral and documentary evidence, the court found the mother’s account to be the more credible witness. Multiple allegations of domestic abuse were upheld, including physical violence, controlling behaviour, threats, and one incident of rape. However, allegations that the father assaulted the children were not proven.
The court concluded that the parents’ relationship was volatile and characterised by abuse, which informed the welfare assessment relevant to the father’s application for contact.
