Expert solicitors and legal advice for parental alienation

Parental alienation can be devastating, both for the child and the alienated parent. Our experienced, award-winning family lawyers can provide specialist, sensitive legal advice and guidance if you think you are a victim — contact us today.

What is parental alienation?

There is no fixed or single definition of parental alienation, but it can be described as the psychological manipulation of a child by one parent against the other parent without any justifiable good reason.

It may occur when a child shows animosity towards a parent with whom they once had a loving relationship, and presents reluctance to spend time with them. It may be described as the child being ‘turned against’ one parent by the other.

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) independently advises the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests. It defines parental alienation as ‘when a child’s resistance or hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent’.

It is worth noting that parental alienation is not always a deliberate act. Sometimes, a parent’s grief or resentment following separation or divorce in a relationship is picked up by the child. These feelings can be mirrored or reflected in their relationship with the other parent.

What types of behaviour can amount to parental alienation?

Parental alienation can be challenging to pinpoint — sometimes, it can be subtle and even unintentional. However, some of the following can be examples or signals of parental alienation:

• Negative comments about the other parent

• Blaming the other parent for their own feelings of loss

• Being unable to separate their child’s needs from their own

• Manipulating a child into unquestioning loyalty for one parent, to the detriment of the other

• Refusing contact, placing impossible conditions on contact, or being very controlling of contact with the child

• Making the child feel guilty about having contact with the other parent

• Withdrawal of love towards the child

• Telling the child that the other parent does not love them, or doesn’t have time for them

• Telling the child that the other parent might harm them

• Forcing the child to choose between parents

• Confiding in the child or forcing them to ‘take sides’ in arguments

• Forcing the child to reject the other parent

• Asking the child to keep secrets from the other parent

• Referring to the other parent by their first name

• Referring to the stepparent as ‘Mum’ or ‘Dad’ and encouraging the child to do the same

• Encouraging disrespect or defiance towards the other parent

Parental alienation can be profoundly distressing and affects both children and alienated parents, psychologically and emotionally. Children are at increased risk for future trust and relationship issues. It requires a careful, structured and professional approach.

For a rejected parent, the pain is excruciating. In order to have the best chance of making progress, it is important to act at an early stage, when alienating behaviours become apparent.

When is it not parental alienation?

Sometimes, there are very good reasons for one parent to object to contact taking place between the child and the other parent. If a parent has a justifiable reason or safeguarding concerns as to why contact is not safe for a child, then it is not alienation.

Experienced, award-winning parental alienation lawyers

Cases involving allegations of parental alienation can be incredibly painful and require skilled, experienced professional involvement. This can include the use of therapists and legal experts trained in the area of parental alienation and implacable hostility. They must work side by side.

Our talented team has been practising family law since 1987 and have advised on all types of child issues, including parental alienation. Above all, our family lawyers adopt a sensitive, empathetic approach in ensuring the very best result for you and your children.

Every case is different, and so must be the legal advice and guidance provided. This can include whether to seek additional help from the court in the form of a Child Arrangement Order. If you are experiencing any potential examples of parental alienation and would like to chat about it, please contact us.

Specialist legal advice for families and alienated parents across the UK

Our warm, welcoming offices across Yorkshire are the perfect place for what can be difficult and sensitive discussions. However, we can work flexibly across the UK and internationally in a way that suits you — whether that’s by email, phone call or video call.

In what can be a challenging time, peace of mind is crucial. We offer upfront fixed fees, meaning no hidden surprises, and avoid technical jargon at all times.

As well as being a Leading Firm in The Legal 500 2024, we’re proud to say that 98% of our customers would use us again and recommend us to their family and friends. We hope our awards and testimonials speak for themselves.