A mother has been ordered to pay over £27,000 towards a father’s legal costs after a family court found she “unreasonably” pursued allegations of sexual abuse.
The “significant” ruling in the case of FAZ v MAZ & Anor (Costs) [2026] EWFC 301 passed down by Mr Justice Poole last Monday is a “warning” to others of the financial consequences linked to unfounded allegations, head of the family team at Exchange Chambers, Clare Porter-Phillips said.
The ruling followed a fact-finding hearing which established the mother had “embellished evidence” relating to the allegations and at times been “dishonest” while continuing to pursue a case which was “not supported by the evidence”.
A court heard Mr Justic Poole accepted the mother “genuinely believed the allegations”, which were found to be unproven, however due to her “unreasonable conduct” ordered the applicant to pay £27,109.75 in contributions to legal costs owed by the respondent.
Commenting on the judgment, Phillips said: “This judgment sends a costs warning that should be heard loud and clear.
“Fact-finding hearings are not a given. Allegations must be carefully considered against the available evidence, and parties need clear advice on the merits of pursuing them. Where allegations are pursued unreasonably, there can be significant financial consequences.
“Of course, genuine safeguarding concerns must always be taken seriously. But this case is a timely reminder that the decision to pursue a fact-finding hearing needs careful thought, particularly where the evidence does not support the allegations being made.”
