Mehvish Chaudhry in ZA and BC (Children: Summary Return Order to Dubai), Re [2026] EWHC 1230 (Fam)
1st Jun 2026 | Cases
Mehvish Chaudhry was instructed by Hunters for the Applicant Father in ZA and BC (Children: Summary Return Order to Dubai), Re [2026] EWHC 1230 (Fam); an application by father for the summary return of children to Dubai.
The court ordered the return of two young children to Dubai following a summary welfare determination in non-Hague Convention proceedings. The parents and children, all British citizens, had lived in Dubai since 2022 until the mother retained the children in the UK during a family holiday in October 2025. The mother opposed the father’s application for return, alleging domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, and concerns arising from the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
After hearing oral evidence from both parents, the court rejected the allegations of domestic abuse, finding that whilst there had been arguments and marital difficulties, the evidence did not establish abusive behaviour. The judge identified inconsistencies between the mother’s later allegations and earlier accounts given to police and in court documents, The court also found that the mother had failed to properly promote the children’s relationship with their father following their retention in the UK.
The court found the father to be a credible witness. The court acknowledged the disruption involved in a return to Dubai but held that the children’s welfare was best served by restoring meaningful relationships with both parents. Concerns regarding regional instability were carefully considered but assessed as presenting a low risk to these particular children.
