Michael Gration KC, leading Mani Singh Basi, successfully represented the respondent mother in the matter of Re Y (Child Abduction; Habitual Residence; Grave Risk; Ukraine) [2025] EWHC 3123 (Fam)

Michael Gration KC, leading Mani Singh Basi, appeared on behalf of the respondent mother in Re Y (Child Abduction; Habitual Residence; Grave Risk; Ukraine) [2025] EWHC 3123 (Fam); a 1980 Hague Convention case concerning the return of a young child to Ukraine.

The court found that given the particular circumstances in the relevant area of Ukraine, Article 13(b) applied to this case and the return would have placed the child at grave risk of harm.  The court also found the child became habitually resident in England.

This is an important case outlining the specific challenges that arise in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Michael and Mani were instructed by Carolina Marin Pedreno and Kandice Phillips of Dawson Cornwell LLP

The judgment can be accessed here.