The judgment in O v C [2025] EWFC has been handed down, in which Justin Ageros, instructed by Jasmine Hollis of Beck Fitzgerald, appeared on behalf of the Applicant. This landmark case saw a mother, successfully overturn the evidence of an unregulated psychologist which resulted in her daughters being taken from her care and her time with them restricted.
Following the Court’s decision in Re C (‘Parental Alienation’; Instruction of Expert) [2023] EWHC 345 and the December 2024 FJC guidance on alienating behaviours, an application was submitted to the Court on the mother’s behalf, seeking to re-open the finding of fact as to alienating behaviours on the basis of very significant new evidence and information which has emerged since that finding of fact was made.
The court ordered the findings of fact, conclusions and recommendations of Melanie Gill’s reports be set aside
Jazz reflected on the case, stating:
“My client can never get back the precious time that she has lost with her children and the key events in their lives which she has missed out on, but this landmark decision marks a new chapter for her and her children.
They can begin rebuilding their relationships in a meaningful way, away from a contact centre and supervision. My client was re-traumatised by the Court process 5 years ago, being labelled by Gill as a narcissist and accused of alienating behaviours. I am delighted that all findings from Gill’s have been set aside.
This case demonstrates how dangerous it is to have an unregulated expert instructed within family proceedings. It highlights the importance of the judicial role in establishing the factual matrix. Hopefully the FJC guidance, rules on the use of experts and the building body of caselaw in this complex area will prevent further miscarriages of justice and centralise the safety of children in proceedings concerning them.”
To read Hannah Summer’s full article in The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, click here.
To read the full judgement, click here.
Jasmine heads up our Care team jointly with Flora. Jasmine specialises in public and private cases concerning children.
She is an accredited member of The Law Society’s Children Panel and represents children, parents and other family members in care proceedings. Jasmine often undertakes her own advocacy. She has expertise in care proceedings involving serious allegations of non-accidental injury, sexual abuse and emotional harm.
As a co-founder of FLANC – Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community she has used her expertise to help individuals and families and also to help catalyse systemic change in the family justice system so as to improve participation for the neurodivergent community.
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