Woman defeats ‘no move’ ruling

A woman who was ordered to live at a specified address for two years as part of an ongoing divorce battle has had the court ban overturned.

The woman, who has two children, challenged the restriction at a private hearing in the family division of the High Court in London on Tuesday. She compared the ban to being under “house arrest” and complained how it limited her chances of finding work, affected her children’s relationship with relatives and left her struggling financially. It was imposed as part of a “prohibited steps order” made by a district judge in 2010, allowing the woman’s estranged husband to have regular contact with the children as he lived near the specified address.

Mr Justice Charles disagreed with the “house arrest” comparison but told a High Court hearing:

“It seems to me that she should have the opportunity to seek employment, and therefore to support herself and her children, as she wishes.”

He said the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and her children had to remain in England or Wales – within the jurisdiction of the High Court – while legal proceedings continued.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790058 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.