With the cost-of-living crisis and the financial pressures that on-going proceedings bring, it should not surprise anyone that parties in the family court and pushed to seek alternative funding to their litigation through ‘GoFundMe’ pages and similar. But be warned, no matter how much you need the money, do not let that cloud your judgement.
In the recent case of A Father and A Mother [2023] EWFC 227, Paul Bowen KC sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court, has strongly criticised the mother who had provided the parties’ confidential information, including identifying herself, the children (also providing their pictures) and publicised accusations against the father of coercive and controlling behaviour on a GoFundMe website in a misguided attempt to secure funds for representation in the children proceedings. It should be made clear to all parties involved in family proceedings that such actions can be considered a contempt of court, which in turn could mean the initiation of contempt proceedings which may carry serious consequences.
To read the whole judgement, please go to: https://assets.caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewfc/2023/227/ewfc_2023_227.pdf
Agata Osińska
agata.osiń[email protected]
The International Family Law LLP
www.iflg.uk.com
© January 2024
