Children Act applications amid conflict: The impact of the Ukraine war on Family Court decisions
The ongoing war in Ukraine has had profound consequences for families, as illustrated by the case of Re Z and X (Visit to Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 314. In this emotional case, a father applied for his children to visit him in Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. The Family Court ultimately ruled against the visit, prioritizing the children’s safety and emotional wellbeing. This case sheds light on how the English courts navigate the challenges of family contact in the face of extreme circumstances, like war, and the lasting effects on separated families.