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The case of Mahmoud v Glanville [2025] EWHC 2395 (Fam) serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unreasonable litigation conduct in private children law proceedings.
In this case, the mother had repeatedly abducted the child, concealed him for eight months, made false allegations against the father, and deliberately sought to frustrate and manipulate the legal process. She even threatened the father with costly litigation. In response, the father applied for two costs orders—one for incurred fees and another for pro bono (free) representation, payable to the Access to Justice Foundation.
MacDonald J found the mother’s behaviour to be egregious and held that while costs orders in children cases are rare, they are justified where a party acts reprehensibly. He awarded £95,000 in costs to the father and £20,000 in pro bono costs, rejecting the mother’s claims of impecuniosity. This judgment reinforces the principle that litigation must be conducted with integrity and fairness.
At George Green, we take a pragmatic and robust approach to litigation and always advise clients to ensure that they approach litigation in the correct manner. We are also experienced in dealing with opposing parties whose conduct during litigation falls well below the standard expected.
If you wish to discuss your situation or any issues raised in this blog our family solicitors are based in Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Sutton Coldfield and serve clients across the West Midlands. For all new enquiries, please call 01902 328 355 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond.