Background:
The applicant sought assistance in relation to an existing child arrangements order concerning her child with the respondent. The respondent’s whereabouts had become unknown, raising difficulties around enforcement and progression of the case. The applicant attended court accompanied by her current partner.
Relevant Law Children Act 1989 – applications to enforce or vary child arrangements orders, including applications for directions relating to service and involvement of third parties in proceedings.
Issues
- Lack of current address for the respondent
- Inability to effect service
Challenges
The immediate difficulty was procedural: the respondent’s location was unknown, preventing service of the order and notice of further hearings. The applicant proposed locating not only the respondent’s address in Kent but also his sister’s address, which could provide a point of contact.
Outcome:
The court was happy to allow a practical and creative approach, with service via any social media account connected to the respondent