P v R (Refusal of Hadkinson Relief)

Facts

The parties are the parents of G, a seven-year-old girl who has a congenital complete heart block, an implanted cardiac pacemaker and a school care plan overseen by a cardiologist and specialist nurse; the mother says G has suspected autistic traits awaiting assessment. The mother herself has lupus together with secondary fibromyalgia, secondary immunodeficiency, Bowen's disease, breast cancer, hypothyroidism and other conditions, none of which the father disputes. The father applied on 10 January 2024 for a child arrangements order to spend time with G; the mother cross-applied on 28 January 2024 for a child arrangements, prohibited steps and specific issue order. After a five-day fact-finding hearing beginning 26 January 2026, HHJ Williscroft gave judgment on 30 January 2026 finding that the father had deceived the Home Office and had been coercively controlling towards the mother. At a one-hour dispute resolution appointment on 18 March 2026 the judge made final orders: G to live with the mother, indirect contact six times a year by post via the maternal grandmother, a prohibited steps order, an order under section 91(14) of the Children Act 1989 for two years, and costs of £26,000 payable by 2 April 2026. Harrison J refused permission to appeal the costs order but granted permission on three grounds. The mother then sought a Hadkinson order.