Parental Alienation

Parental alienation syndrome occurs when a child unjustifiably rejects one parent due to psychological manipulation by the other. Family courts recognise this as why children refuse contact post-separation when no legitimate safety concerns exist. The child displays hostility toward one parent that isn’t justified by that parent’s actual behaviour—instead, the other parent’s negative messaging, contact interference, and emotional manipulation drives rejection. Courts carefully differentiate between alienation and situations where children have genuine reasons for reluctance.

The Children Act 1989 Section 8 gives courts broad powers when alienating behaviours are identified—issuing specific issue orders prohibiting negative comments, imposing contact conditions, and in extreme cases, changing residence. December 2024 guidance provides clearer frameworks for when courts exercise these powers.

Our child custody specialists carefully assess how adult actions and emotions impact children experiencing these dynamics, building evidence-based cases that demonstrate how alienating behaviours harm your child’s welfare and development.

Parents frequently ask what “alienated” means in family law contexts. The Cambridge dictionary defines alienated as “feeling that you have no connection with the people around you,” while the Oxford dictionary describes alienating someone as “making somebody less friendly towards you.” In family law, CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) defines alienating behaviours as an ongoing pattern of negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours by one parent that undermines or obstructs the child’s relationship with the other parent. This working definition helps courts identify harmful patterns while focusing on observable behaviours rather than treating alienation as a diagnosable medical syndrome.

Cafcass uses the term ‘alienating behaviours’ rather than ‘parental alienation syndrome’ to describe circumstances where one parent displays an ongoing pattern of negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours with the potential or expressed intent to undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent. This terminology shift, reinforced by the December 2024 Family Justice Council guidance, emphasises observable behaviours and their impact on children rather than treating alienation as a diagnosable syndrome.

Parental alienation could be one common reason why a child may not want to spend time with the other parent. A child may directly state they do not want to see the other parent, or alternatively the child or the resident parent may make excuses to avoid contact. This behaviour typically repeats itself rather than being one isolated incident. Our specialists consider below what signs of alienation can be noted or what behaviours apply where parental alienation is taking place.

CAFCASS officers now apply their Child Impact Assessment Framework (CIAF) when evaluating alienation concerns, focusing on observable impacts on children rather than applying labels. This framework examines how children experience parental separation, what specific behaviours by either parent affect them, and whether adult conflict is causing them psychological harm. The assessment doesn’t seek to diagnose your child with a syndrome but rather identifies whether one parent’s actions are damaging the child’s relationship with the other through manipulation or interference.

The legal understanding of parental alienation syndrome has evolved significantly following December 2024 Family Justice Council guidance. Understanding the distinction between “parental alienation syndrome” and “alienating behaviours” affects how family courts approach your case.

Key Differences

• Parental alienation syndrome suggests a diagnosable medical condition in children. Courts have moved away from this terminology because it implies children suffer from a syndrome requiring expert diagnosis, which oversimplifies complex family dynamics.
• Alienating behaviours focuses on observable actions by one parent that damage the child’s relationship with the other. This approach allows judges to assess factual evidence—blocked contact attempts, negative messaging, interference patterns—without requiring psychological diagnosis.
• Why this matters legally: Following Re C [2023], Sir Andrew McFarlane confirmed that determining alienation is a question of fact for judges, not a diagnosis for psychologists. Your family lawyer builds cases around documented behaviours and their impact, rather than seeking syndrome diagnosis.

The December 2024 guidance reinforces that courts examine three elements: whether your child refuses, resists, or shows reluctance toward contact; whether this reluctance stems from the other parent’s behaviours rather than your actions; and whether the resident parent engaged in conduct causing this reluctance.

The Children Act 1989 Section 8 gives courts broad powers when alienating behaviours are identified—issuing specific issue orders prohibiting negative comments, imposing contact conditions, and in extreme cases, changing residence. December 2024 guidance provides clearer frameworks for when courts exercise these powers.

The December 2024 Family Justice Council guidance represents a fundamental shift, moving away from controversial ‘syndrome’ concepts. This followed Re C [2023] EWHC 345 (Fam), where Sir Andrew McFarlane established alienation constitutes a question of fact for judges rather than diagnosis for psychologists. Cases presented using outdated ‘syndrome’ terminology may face scepticism from judges trained in current frameworks.

This terminology shift protects children by ensuring courts focus on evidence-based assessment. Our family law specialists understand presenting cases using current frameworks. Contact us for a free consultation discussing how December 2024 guidance affects your situation.

A parent who is concerned that their children are becoming alienated should look out for the following signs which our parental alienation lawyers have noted over the years:

• Extreme negative views towards them. Children may also deny past positive experience and interest in improving the relationship.
• Seeing one parent as good and the other as all bad.
• Siding with the favoured parent despite anything they do or say.
• Lack of remorse for hurting their feelings
• Claiming to reject them with no influence from the other parent
• Repeating the other parents’ words which they use towards you without understanding them.
• Become hostile towards your family and friends.

Recognising early parental alienation syndrome signs allows action before patterns become entrenched. Children rarely display all symptoms simultaneously, but even a few warning signs warrant immediate attention.

Behavioural changes signalling developing alienation

• Sudden rejection where your previously affectionate child now refuses contact without explaining specific incidents justifying dramatic change
• Adult language when your child uses phrases or legal terminology beyond their age, often quoting the other parent’s complaints
• Black-and-white thinking as your child describes the other parent as perfect while viewing you as completely bad
• Lack of guilt about hurting your feelings, showing no remorse for rejecting someone they once loved

Communication pattern shifts

Children experiencing alienating behaviours often start calling you by your first name rather than “Mum” or “Dad,” creating emotional distance. They cancel plans with weak excuses, become argumentative about minor issues, or withdraw when you try understanding their feelings.

Our family law specialists have observed that children under 8 typically display alienation through sudden behavioural changes—nightmares before visits, unexplained stomach aches—rather than articulating complex reasons. Teenagers present sophisticated justifications that sound rehearsed, using terminology they couldn’t develop independently.

Why acting quickly matters

December 2024 guidance emphasizes alienating behaviours become increasingly difficult to reverse the longer they continue. Based on our experience with courts in Oxford, Newcastle, York, Northampton, Nottingham, Cardiff, Coventry, and London, cases securing intervention within 3-4 months typically achieve contact restoration within 8-12 months. Cases where parents waited over a year often require 18-24 months of intensive intervention.

Our specialists assess whether changes in your child’s behaviour suggest alienating influences or other dynamics. Book a free consultation discussing specific changes you’ve noticed and whether legal action protects your child’s interests.

Quite often a child will display early signs of parental alienation. These usually are where the child is excluding one parent from their life. This can be quite simple from requesting the parent not to come to their extra-curricular activities or school meetings and parent evenings. A child may also become argumentative and fail to recognise the love and affection which was previously provided by the parent in question.

A child may state they don’t want to see you as much, have overnight contact or see you at all. Quite often children can become withdrawn and reluctant to talk to you. Another early sign of parental alienation is where your child may start calling you by your name rather than “mummy or daddy”. It could be quite difficult for parents when their child is acting like a complete stranger, but action must be taken as soon as early signs emerge to prevent further damage.

According to the Independent, parental alienation syndrome is a term developed in the 1980s by child psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Gardner. While the term ‘syndrome’ remains debated, the Family Justice Council’s December 2024 guidance recognizes alienating behaviours as serious concerns requiring court intervention. Courts now use the term “alienating behaviours” rather than “syndrome,” focusing on observable actions. The December 2024 guidance followed Re C [2023] EWHC 345 (Fam), where Sir Andrew McFarlane established that alienation constitutes a question of fact for judges rather than a diagnosis for psychologists.

Parental alienation syndrome occurs where one parent attempts to turn the child against the other parent. This usually takes place where one parent is angry at the other parent and paints a negative image of them. This can be done through certain comments, blaming the other parent, or making false accusations against them.

Parental alienation syndrome is a form of psychological abuse. It impacts both the child and the parent who is alienated. This syndrome is now widely recognised in the UK. CAFCASS describes parental alienation as ‘when a child’s hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent’

Parental alienation syndrome is not a criminal offence in the UK. In 2016, a petition with 12,239 signatures called for criminalisation, but the government rejected this, stating family courts already possess sufficient powers under the Children Act 1989. Following December 2024 guidance, courts have clearer frameworks for identifying and responding to alienating behaviours, focusing on protecting children’s welfare through civil proceedings rather than criminal law.

Following alienation identification, courts have proportionate responses. Section 11A of the Children Act 1989 allows judges to attach conditions to contact orders, prohibiting derogatory statements. Section 11J permits enforcement orders compelling compliance, and Section 11O authorises committal proceedings for contempt. Understanding this intervention hierarchy helps you request appropriate remedies matching alienation severity.

Current UK family law statistics reveal that parental alienation concerns arise in 10-15% of divorce cases involving children, affecting approximately 6,000 children annually according to CAFCASS. Family lawyers report that while allegations are common, actual findings of alienating behaviours remain relatively rare. In 2024, divorce applications in England and Wales decreased by 11% compared to 2023, with 27,908 applications filed in the first quarter. The average time from divorce application to final order currently stands at 63-68 weeks under the no-fault divorce legislation introduced in April 2022.

Alienating behaviour can sometimes be associated with narcissistic personality traits in a parent. While courts focus on behaviours rather than diagnoses, understanding these patterns can be helpful.

Parents with narcissistic alienation traits may:

• View the child as an extension of themselves rather than as an independent person
• Use emotional manipulation and control tactics in relationships
• Have difficulty recognizing or prioritizing the child’s needs separately from their own
• Display black-and-white thinking that portrays the other parent as all bad
• Struggle with boundaries and appropriate parent-child relationships

The Family Justice Council guidance emphasises focusing on the specific behaviours and their impact on children rather than on personality diagnoses. However, when these patterns are identified, specialised therapeutic interventions may be needed alongside legal remedies to address the underlying dynamics.

Despite the emotional toll and financial costs involved, fighting alienating behaviour is absolutely worth it to protect your child’s wellbeing and your relationship with them. Left unchallenged, alienating behaviour can cause lasting psychological harm to children, including depression, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.

Our family lawyers have seen many cases where determined parents have successfully restored their relationships with their children. While the process may be lengthy and challenging, the courts now have clearer guidance on identifying and addressing alienating behaviour, increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Remember that you’re not just fighting for your right to see your child – you’re fighting for your child’s right to have a healthy relationship with both parents. Research consistently shows that children benefit emotionally and developmentally from maintaining strong bonds with both parents after separation.

Breaking the cycle of alienating behaviour requires a strategic approach combining legal action, therapeutic intervention, and consistent parenting. Here are effective steps our family lawyers recommend:

1. Document everything – Keep detailed records of all instances where contact was denied or interfered with, inappropriate communications, and changes in your child’s behaviour.
2. Seek early legal advice – The sooner you address alienating behaviour, the easier it is to correct. Our child lawyers can help you file the appropriate applications to the family court.
3. Request specific court orders – Ask for detailed contact arrangements that leave little room for interference, and consider requesting orders prohibiting negative discussions about you.
4. Consider therapeutic intervention – The court may order family therapy or reunification therapy specifically designed to repair damaged parent-child relationships.
5. Stay calm and consistent – Continue showing love for your child even when faced with rejection, and never criticize the other parent to your child.
6. Follow court orders meticulously – Demonstrating your reliability and commitment to the process strengthens your position. The Family Justice Council guidance now provides courts with a clearer framework for addressing alienating behaviour, making successful intervention more likely when the proper evidence is presented.

The Family Justice Council guidance now provides courts with a clearer framework for addressing alienating behaviour, making successful intervention more likely when the proper evidence is presented.

In our experience handling over 200 child custody cases involving alienation concerns, parents who begin documentation within the first month of noticing patterns build significantly stronger cases. One recent client kept detailed logs for six weeks, recording 23 instances where the other parent cancelled contact—this systematic evidence proved decisive when CAFCASS conducted their assessment.

When communicating with a child who’s experiencing alienating behaviour, certain statements can worsen the situation rather than improve it. Our family lawyers advise avoiding:

1. Criticism of the other parent – Saying “Your mother/father is lying to you” or “They’re trying to turn you against me” may feel justified but can increase your child’s loyalty conflict. 2. Pressuring statements – “You should want to see me” or “If you loved me, you’d spend time with me” can create guilt and resistance.
2. Interrogation – “What does your mother/father say about me?” puts your child in an impossible position and may be reported back to the alienating parent.
3. Making promises you can’t keep – “I’ll make sure you live with me soon” creates unrealistic expectations.
4. Expressing your emotional pain – “It breaks my heart when you don’t want to see me” burdens your child with your feelings.

Instead, focus on positive, neutral conversations that make contact enjoyable. Keep interactions light and fun, focusing on your child’s interests and activities. Remember that rebuilding trust and comfort takes time and patience.

Texting provides a valuable opportunity to maintain connection with a child experiencing alienating behaviour. When messaging your child, our family lawyers recommend:

1. Keep messages short, positive and engaging – “Hope you had a great day at school! Did your science project go well?”
2. Share appropriate information about your life – “I saw a movie today I think you’d enjoy” keeps them connected to your world.
3. Ask open-ended but non-intrusive questions – “What’s been the best part of your week?” invites conversation without pressure.
4. Send regular messages even without responses – “Just wanted to say goodnight and that I love you” shows consistency.
5. Include photos of activities, pets, or things that interest them – Visual content can maintain connection when words feel difficult.
6. Avoid asking about the other parent – Keep the focus on your relationship with your child.

Remember to save all messages as they may provide evidence of your attempts to maintain contact or could show inappropriate interference if the other parent monitors or blocks communication. Our family lawyers can advise on the best documentation practices for your specific situation.

Yes, recovery from alienating behaviour is absolutely possible with the right approach and support. The family courts now recognize alienating behaviour more clearly and have developed better interventions to address it. For children, recovery typically involves therapeutic support to help them process their feelings and rebuild a healthy relationship with the rejected parent. Many children who have experienced alienating behaviour can go on to develop strong relationships with both parents once appropriate interventions are in place.

For parents who have been alienated, recovery involves patience and persistence. Our family lawyers have supported many parents through successful reunification with their children, even in severe cases. The key is acting promptly, following legal advice, and maintaining a child-focused approach throughout.

The 2024 Family Justice Council guidance has strengthened the court’s approach to alienating behaviour, creating clearer pathways for intervention and recovery. With expert legal support and appropriate therapeutic assistance, families can heal from these challenging situations.

The duration of alienating behaviour varies significantly depending on several factors, including its severity, how quickly it’s addressed, and the effectiveness of interventions. Without appropriate action, alienating behaviour can persist throughout a child’s development and potentially impact their adult relationships. When addressed early with proper legal and therapeutic interventions, mild to moderate cases of alienating behaviour can show improvement within months. More severe or long-standing cases may take 1-2 years of consistent intervention and therapy to fully resolve.

The Family Justice Council’s 2024 guidance emphasises the importance of prompt and decisive intervention to prevent alienating behaviour from becoming entrenched. Our family lawyers recommend seeking legal advice at the first signs of alienating behaviour rather than waiting to see if the situation improves on its own. The long-term prospects for recovery improve dramatically when the court implements appropriate orders and therapeutic support early in the process. While recovery takes time, many families successfully overcome alienating behaviour with proper support.

Based on our experience with local family courts in Oxford, Newcastle, York, Northampton, Nottingham, Cardiff, Coventry, and London, cases where parents secure court intervention within 3-4 months typically achieve contact restoration within 8-12 months. However, cases where parents waited over a year often require 18-24 months of intensive therapeutic intervention.

Parental alienation is usually carried out by one parent to punish the other parent for their wrongdoings. Parental alienation is a syndrome which usually develops over time. However studies have found there are early signs which may suggest parental alienation evolving. The initial signs which may come to light are:

• Where one parent promotes anger towards the other parent. This can be done by negative comments or remarks. It also involves criticism of the other parent Infront of the child.
• Attempting to promote anger indirectly. This is usually carried out by making negative and angry comments about the other parent knowing the child will be listening. By doing this the alienating parent attempts to portray a good image of themselves in front of the child, yet indirectly promotes hatred.
• Sending negative messages to the child about the other parent. This can usually be monitored through the body language of the alienating parent. They may express their dislike through rolling of the eyes, shaking their head or dismissive gestures.
• Making false allegations of abuse and harm against the other parent. This could be by telling the child of an abuse whether it be physical or psychological which may not have taken place. This could lead to feeling of hatred in the child for the alienated parent.
• Refusing to co-parent reasonably. This takes place where the alienating parent refuses to be around the other parent in front of the child. The alienating parent may make false accusations of the other parent being angry and how they don’t like being around them. Of course, such accusations may be false but go a long way in developing negative feelings in a child.

As well as the signs of parental alienation syndrome evolving in an alienating parent, there may be early signs of alienation in the child. These usually are where the child is excluding one parent from their life. This can be quite simple from requesting the parent not to come to their extra-curricular activities or school meetings and parent evenings. A child may also become argumentative and fail to recognise the love and affection which was previously provided by the parent in question.

An alienating parent may manipulate the relationship between children and pets in several ways:

• Pet custody manipulation: The alienating parent may keep beloved family pets at their home and refuse to allow them to travel during contact visits with the targeted parent, causing the child to miss the pet and associate that loss with seeing the other parent.
• Emotional weaponisation: Telling children that the family pet misses them terribly or is distressed when they visit the other parent, creating guilt in the child about spending time away.
• False narratives about pet care: Making claims that the targeted parent doesn’t properly care for or doesn’t like the family pets, creating a narrative that portrays the targeted parent negatively.
• Using pets as messengers: Sending notes or messages with pets when they transfer between homes, which may contain subtle alienating content.
• Gift manipulation: Giving expensive or highly desired pets to children but restricting them to only one household, making children reluctant to leave that household for visits.
• Emotional manipulation through pet stories: Creating false narratives about how the other parent has mistreated family pets in the past.

Impact on Children

When pets are used as tools in alienating behaviour, children may experience increased anxiety about being separated from their pets during visits, conflicted loyalties between parents and pets, grief and loss if prevented from seeing beloved pets, and confusion about their relationship with the targeted parent.

Legal Considerations

Courts have begun to recognize the significance of pets in family dynamics. In some jurisdictions, courts may now consider the well-being of pets in custody disputes. However, in most places, pets are still legally considered property, making it difficult for targeted parents to challenge the alienating parent’s control of the family pet.

Strategies for Targeted Parents

If you believe your ex-partner is using family pets as part of alienating behaviour, document all instances where access to family pets has been restricted, consider requesting specific provisions about family pets in custody agreements, explore options for pet visitation or shared pet custody where appropriate, and consult with your family lawyer about including pets in court applications if they’re being used as tools for alienation.

Understanding how pets can be used in alienating behaviour is crucial for parents, legal professionals, and mental health practitioners working with families experiencing this issue. By recognizing these patterns, appropriate interventions can be developed to protect both children and the pets they love.

Children experiencing parental alienation syndrome display distinctive symptoms that family courts and CAFCASS assessors carefully evaluate. Recognizing these patterns helps you document evidence and understand what courts examine when determining whether alienating behaviours exist.

The most common symptoms include your child repeatedly complaining about you without genuine justification—they make frivolous accusations or cite silly reasons for refusing contact that don’t warrant their level of hostility. Children show lack of ambivalence, viewing the alienating parent as completely good and you as entirely bad, unable to acknowledge any positive qualities or past happy memories you shared. They display no guilt about disrespecting you or hurting your feelings, often showing shocking indifference to your emotional pain. This animosity typically spreads to your extended family and friends, even those who’ve done nothing to justify such rejection.

Additional symptoms include:

• Independent thinker phenomenon – Children claim they’ve individually developed such feelings against the alienated parent and have not been influenced by anyone.
• Automatic support – Children will always end up favouring the alienating parent regardless of the situation or the disagreement in question.

Parental alienation syndrome causes serious psychological harm to children, creating false beliefs that the alienated parent is dangerous and unworthy of their love. Research consistently shows that affected children develop low self-esteem and self-hatred, internalise negative messages about half their identity and heritage, struggle with trust issues that follow them into adult relationships, and face higher risks of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Children experiencing alienation often lose the capacity to give and accept love from the alienated parent, damage that can persist for decades. Many develop conflicted or distant relationships even with the alienating parent as they mature and recognise the manipulation. Without intervention, these children risk perpetuating alienating behaviours with their own children, continuing destructive patterns across generations.

Parental alienation not only can damage a child psychologically, but it can also affect their day to day and behaviours. Children who experience parental alienation syndrome offer find changes in their behaviour. Parental alienation lawyers over the years have noted the following change in behaviour:

• Alienated children offer suffer from loneliness and isolation. This could have the effect of children having a lack of friends.
• Children suffering from parental alienation will often end up in conflicts, either with their parents or others around them.
• Many children will also encounter sleep problems.
• Alienated children are more likely to develop poor eating habits which could lead to eating disorders and weight loss or gain.
• Alienated children are also likely to perform worse in schools and other activities.

If parental alienation can be identified early, then parents have the opportunity to limit the effects on a child. If you are a concerned parent and would like to prevent the above effects on your child contact us today for a consultation on how to tackle parental alienation.

Parental alienation can seriously damage one parents relationship with the child. By noting the above signs and changes in behaviour of a child parental alienation can be tackled and prevented. Our parental alienation lawyers have compiled the following steps which can help you fight parental alienation syndrome.

• Keep a journal – it is important to note the dates that the custodial parent has stopped your contact with the child together with the reasons. By noting this down you could assess whether it is a one off issue or it continually becoming a habit. If the matter reaches court, you could provide specific dates as evidence of you attempting contact and the continual excuses of the custodial parent or child.
• Challenge the other parent – If failed contact is becoming common and frequent you must speak to the custodial parent and child to identify any issues. Again, you must note down the responses so you can present this to the court if this behaviour doesn’t stop.
• Ask to see the child in writing – You could communicate with the custodial parent via text message or email. This would be ideal evidence to prove your desire to see the child. This form of written communication can help you catch your ex-partner in a lie and help to show they are using excuses to deny child contact.
• Seek Counselling – A therapist would be able to identify and end alienation. IT also provides additional support to your case if the matter proceeds to court. Showing you have taken positive steps strengthens your position and inviting your former partner to attend will illustrate you are working to co-parent effectively.

It is important to note that your child needs the love and support of both parents which is their right. In order to prevent parental alienation, you need to keep fighting to ensure there is no damaging effect to your child or your relationship with them.

Spotting early parental alienation syndrome signs and obtaining immediate legal advice prevents severe relationship damage. Acting quickly offers significant advantages—alienating parents often respond when they realize you’ve consulted family lawyers, sometimes halting harmful behaviours before court intervention becomes necessary.

Early involvement allows us to help you document evidence properly, mediate before positions become entrenched, connect you with specialised therapists, and file court applications before alienating patterns become ingrained. Every week you delay allows manipulative behaviours to strengthen.

If steps are not taken to deal with the syndrome early, it could have severe impacts on both the child and the alienated parent. For the affected children parental alienation is a serious mental condition. It is based on false beliefs that that alienated parent is dangerous and unworthy.  The effects of this on children include low self-esteem and self-hatred, lack of trust and depression. It is also noted children experiencing this symptom are more likely to engage in substance abuse and other forms of addiction. Children who are the victims of parental alienation are at a risk of being alienated by their own children.

In relation to the alienated parent they are often subjected to shame and stigma, lack of access to their children, and devaluation of their role as parents. This often leads to the alienated parent suffering from psychological effects such as stress and depression. It is therefore important that action is taken early against parental alienation syndrome. This is to ensure the children and alienated parents do not suffer further harm which could seriously impact their lives.

Proving parental alienation syndrome challenges parents because psychological manipulation leaves no visible marks. However, courts regularly make findings when parents present proper evidence documenting patterns. Your case requires three proof types: witness testimony from yourself, the alienating parent, your child, and third parties like teachers or therapists; written documentation including messages, emails, social media posts, and contact logs; and professional assessments from CAFCASS who evaluate both parents.

The first step to proving parental alienation is the witnesses. In a case of parental alienation both the alienated parent as well as the alienating parents. The children who is subject to alienation is also a witness. Other witnesses who may be able to help prove alienation can be relatives, family and friends or therapists and doctors who have become aware of the situation.

The second step to proving this syndrome is documentation. This could be in the form of messages or written communication between both parents and social media posts. What could also be relevant is any diaries or the journals of the child. If children write journals there may be some form of evidence which proves how they feel they are being brainwashed by the alienating parent or notes of what lead to this.

Such evidence once gathered could help prove parental alienation. This could be used to resolve any issues either outside of court or during a court process.

If the issues of parental alienation come to light, parents may be able to resolve such issues without going through a family court. In order for this to happen the parents would need to arrange for a discussion to take place. Parents should ensure they clarify any misunderstandings between them. Clarifying issues can prevent further damage to the child being caused.

If parents can mutually agree and resolve issues it could mean that any contact which has been stopped may be able to continue. This would allow both the child and the alienated parent to begin the process of regrouping and salvaging their relationship.

As a result of parental alienation, a child’s contact with the alienated parent will probably cease. Therefore if you are a concerned parent who is looking to deal with parental alienation through the family court, you will initially need to make an application for child contact.

When you apply for a child contact order citing parental alienation syndrome concerns, the family court lists an initial hearing giving both parents opportunity to reach agreement. You can present your alienation concerns to the judge at this first hearing, explaining specific behaviours and patterns you’ve documented. The court then instructs CAFCASS to conduct safeguarding checks on both parents and assess whether alienating behaviours exist. CAFCASS has implemented comprehensive frameworks specifically for evaluating parental alienation, using structured assessments rather than the outdated “syndrome” diagnosis. Their Family Court Advisers interview both parents and your child, examine documentation you’ve gathered, and consult with schools, doctors, or therapists involved with your family. CAFCASS works with psychologists when necessary, preparing detailed reports with findings and recommendations that judges carefully consider when making final decisions about your child’s welfare and contact arrangements.

At a final hearing the judge will consider all the evidence before them and decide upon whether parental alienation exists and the extent of this. If parental alienation is found, there are many options available to the court. These are:

• Contempt of court – A court can find the alienating parent in contempt of court and impose sanctions against them.
• Custody modification – This is where the courts change the physical or legal custody of the child if they believe the alienation is causing harm. The courts can order the custody to the alienated parent to avoid further harm being caused.
• Reunification therapy – this is the most common option which is utilised. Counsellors become involved with the family in an attempt to counsel both the parent and the child to reunify the child with the alienating parent.

A parent who is being alienated can take steps to avoid parental alienation. This can effectively be done by communicating with the other parent. If misunderstandings can be cleared this may prevent further damage being done. Parents are also encouraged to keep a journal of what is happening. If there is a change in routine such as a change in contact this should be noted and raised with the other parent.

If the other parent restricts contact with the child for no valid reason you can request contact in writing. This could be a formal request and could be used as evidence if the matter proceeds to the family court.

The alienated parent needs to remain persistent. Regardless of whether your contact has been blocked or you are ignored by the alienating parent you should continue trying, Failing to try may result int the child believing that you do not care for them and will strengthen their concerns and allow the alienating parent to prove they were right.

Yes, you can stop parental alienation syndrome through appropriate support and decisive action. Success requires reporting concerns to family courts early so judges can address issues before patterns become entrenched. CAFCASS can assess both parents and your child, identifying alienating behaviours through their specialized frameworks and reporting findings that give courts clear evidence for intervention. When CAFCASS identifies alienation, they work directly with the alienating parent to address harmful behaviours, explain the psychological damage being caused to your child, and monitor whether changes occur. Courts can order therapeutic interventions, modify contact arrangements, or in severe cases where the alienating parent refuses to change despite support and court orders, transfer custody to you.

The December 2024 Family Justice Council guidance has strengthened courts’ ability to intervene effectively, providing clearer frameworks for identifying alienation and responding proportionately. Our family law specialists can guide you through the court process, ensuring you present compelling evidence and request appropriate interventions. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss stopping alienation in your specific situation.

Alienation in children could affect the children’s relationship with their grandparents. Grandparent alienation could affect grandchildren in the following way:

• Depression– Grandchildren may feel powerless and hopeless about not communicating with their grandparents
• Helplessness – children may be unable to protect themselves from control of their parents.
• Confusion – Children will often fail to understand about family relationships and what is a normal family environment.
• Guilt – Grandchildren often feel guilty and responsible for not being able to love their grandparents as they would have liked.
• Fear – Grandchildren who have been alienated from grandparents may have anxiety of loss or death or parent or grandparent.

Grandparents can provide stability as well as financial support to children. Grandparents can also assist in the grandchildren in coping with their parents divorce and separation. Preventing a child from having access to their grandparents can often lead to children being psychologically damaged. At Kabir Family Law we have assisted many grandparents in securing rights to see their children and together we can ensure that grandparent alienation is prevented.

Re B (change of residence; parental alienation) concerns a 9 year child who has been subject to three years of litigation. The parents of the child were married and lived together before separating in 2013 when the child was 5 years old. An alleged assault took place on the 13th September 2013. The child got up and went into her parent’s room at about 6am and wanted her father to read or play with her. The father asked her to go back to bed. She stamped her feet, so he picked her up and put her into bed. She struggled and, at some point, her leg was scratched.

In response the mother came in shouting asking the father to leave the room. The mother claims she felt scared for both her and her child’s safety. Following the argument, the father later went to work and by the time he returned home the mother and the child had left.

Following the separation and with the help of a friend, the parents agreed that the father would move out of the family home and the mother would move back in with the children. The mother was also to allow contact to the father. The father later changed his mind on moving out after a few weeks and the mother stopped contact as a result.

The father applied for contact with the child which the mother refused stating the child was traumatised. The judge however did not agree and was of the opinion together with Cafcass that the child was not traumatised. The judge noted that the mother and their other children gave the impression that the father lost his control and was a risk, but they noted the mother also lost her control at times. It is surprising to note that the contact had failed for almost 14 months.

Following the failed contact, the father made an application for the residence of the child. A psychological assessment found the child did not have PTSD and was not traumatised as the mother alleged. The psychologist noted the mother mentioned why the child did not want to see her dad, how the child was having nightmares and she took every opportunity to criticise the father.

The psychologist was also of the opinion that “From a psychological perspective there is no reason why the father would not be able to meet the child’s needs. I would therefore say that unless the mother does demonstrate a dramatic sea change and start meeting the child’s needs by properly supporting her in re-establishing a proper relationship with her father then I would have no hesitation in suggesting and supporting a change of residence to the father or making a referral myself to the Local Authority”.

The psychologist was of the opinion the distress and emotional disturbance the child is experiencing is as a result of having a relationship and secure attachment, with her father eroded away and finding herself in a situation in which she feels she has no choice but to reject him and align herself with her mother.”

The judge noted that a mother reading that could go one of two ways. She could repair the relationship or continue damaging the relationship to avoid any contact for the father, and the judge felt the mother had gone down the second root to avoid contact between the child and the father.

In reaching its conclusion the court noted:

• This child continues to suffer harm in her mother’s care. If this continued without contact with her father, she will continue to suffer harm and the outcomes of parental alienation will come to pass.
• The risks of harm from the child not seeing her father are very clear. There will be no meaningful relationship if she stays with her mother. She is not a happy child and her mother has not put her welfare first. If the child has her main home with her mother, she will continue to suffer harm as the mother does not have the ability or willingness to put her daughter’s needs first.
• There are risks in a move to the father. It is possible it will not work. The child deserves a chance to be happy again and to have a relationship with her father. The judge felt the father can meet the child’s needs including the need for a relationship with her mother. If the child stays where she is, she will suffer harm.

The judge therefore ordered a change in residence in favour of the father and noted the child must have contact with her mother once she is settled. She needs to repair her relationship with her father first, though, and her mother must not undermine that.

While the Re B case demonstrates that custody transfers occur, in our practice courts typically exhaust therapeutic options first. We’ve handled many cases in the past three years where serious alienation existed—three resulted in custody transfers, eight achieved improved contact through therapy and court orders, and four remain ongoing with mixed progress. This realistic perspective helps you set appropriate expectations.

Quite often one parent may face parental alienation allegations when a child does not want to spend time with the other parent. The child may have some genuine concerns which may have been relayed to the resident parent who has raised them to the court or the relevant professionals. These could be concerns of adequate accommodation, general safety, abuse or even drug or alcohol concerns. These are all concerns which may genuinely be the reason as to why a child may not want to see the other parent. The resident parent may have been genuinely seeking to safeguard and protect the child which could lead to the other parent raising false allegations of parental alienation. It is important to note that parental alienation may not apply to every scenario where a child’s contact with the other parent has been restricted or more specifically where the child themselves have expressed that they do not wish to have contact with the other parent. There may be a deep underlying issue which needs to be considered.

You may be a parent who is acting purely in the best interests of the child by adhering to their wishes of not seeing the other parent due to a genuine concern. Despite this you may have been accused of parental alienation by the other parent instead of being given credit for putting your child first. In such a situation you might be thinking of challenging and defending allegations of parental alienation.

Our family lawyers are increasingly finding false cases of parental alienation being raised within genuine cases leading to Section 37 directions  and have successfully helped the defending parent against such allegations and countering these. At other times our child lawyers have found the false allegation of parental alienation shifts the Court’s attention from a fact finding hearing. This can be detrimental where there are genuine allegations of domestic abuse and thus genuine reasons for stopping child contact.

The first step in defending allegations of parental alienation is to sit down and discuss the matter with the child(ren). You may want to ascertain the real reason behind the child not wanting to have contact with the other parent. Once you have the reason before defending allegations of parental alienation you may want to try and gather evidence to support your decision to safeguard the child. If the child has alleged some form of abuse or physical harm from the other parent then you could look to obtain independent medical evidence. You may therefore wish to seek an appointment from your GP or hospital and look to obtain a letter or a report which confirms the harm suffered.

If there are concerns surrounding adequate accommodation this can be backed up by you doing research on the property in which the child stays when having contact with the other parent. Not having suitable accommodation can be a reason as to why a child does not wish to have contact with the other parent, although this may just be a temporary decision on part of the child. This issue may be resolved by a simple conversation between the parents to address the issue. Failing which if you face parental alienation allegations then you may want to get evidence to back you up. You may want to get information on who resides at the property and whether the property is overcrowded and there is not sufficient space for the child.

A child may not necessarily have concerns over the non-resident parent but their family members such as their partner or any other children they may have. This could range from being treated unfairly or differently when compared with the other children or abuse from the non-resident parent’s partner and or children.

In order to try and hide the real reason of the child not wanting to have any contact, the non-resident parent may make false allegations of parental alienation as a cover up. A child may be having contact with the non-resident parent, and despite this they may still be alleging that there is parental alienation to try and win custody of the children. When defending allegations of parental alienation you may want to gather evidence in the form of text messages, social media posts or even photographs in which the other parent admits they are having enjoyable contact with the child. Such evidence could show the courts that the parent making allegations of parental alienation are not acting in good faith and there is an ulterior motive to their allegations.

When defending allegations of parental alienation you may also want to keep copies of your communication with the non-resident parent. This could again be in the form of text messages or emails, contact handover books or any other communication methods where you have updated them regarding the child and promoted their contact. It could also be messages where you have discussed the contact issue or tried to explain reasonably why the child does not want to have contact or where the child has reported issues or concerns. This could show that you have best attempted to involve the non-resident parent in the life of the child and have been acting in a manner which is far from seen as to be attempting to alienate the child from them. This could be a useful tool when defending allegations of parental alienation.

On of the main points to note is that when dealing with allegations of parental alienation or defending allegations of parental alienation, don’t involve your children. Children should not be placed in adult conflict or discussions. You should ensure you safeguard your children. The issues surround both parents and children should be left out of such matters.

You should always stay proactive when defending allegations of parental alienation. Remember you have not anything wrong and may have faced false allegations purely because you are attempting to stop your child from way of harm. Continue your normal life and focus on yourself and your child. Carry out your day as you normally would. If you act defensively this may prompt the other parent in continuing with the false allegations of parental alienation knowing that they have got under your skin and their actions are harming you. Ultimately such allegations of parental alienation might be raised to cause you harm, control you or even to paint you in a negative light.

If this is the case and you feel you are falsely accused of parental alienation then in order to defend these allegations you may want to consult parental alienation lawyers who may be able to assist you.

At Kabir Family Law our parental alienation lawyers can assist you in defending allegations of parental alienation. We will listen to the concerns raised and consider your present situation. We will attempt to assist you in devising a strategy to challenge the false allegations when defending allegations of parental alienation. If the matter is proceeding through the family court then our parental alienation lawyers can assist you in you preparing your statement to submit to the court when defending allegations of parental alienation. Parental alienation lawyers can also consider the evidence you have which supports the fact that false allegations may have been raised by the other parent. By working together we can ensure you have a strong case and a strong response to enable you to successfully defend allegations of parental alienation.

Where you are defending allegations of parental alienation our parental alienation lawyers can assist you in showing to the court the number of times you have attempted to make your child for contact. We can assist you in presenting such details with comments in a contact matrix which can be annexed to your statement which would be useful in defending allegation of parental alienation. This will also clearly portray to the court the number of successful contact sessions the other parent has had despite them alleging parental alienation against you.

Contact our parental alienation lawyers at Kabir Family Law to benefit from a consultation to discuss your options and explore solutions to your family problems.

Over the years parental alienation has been rising. Many judges have had to deal with this issue in recent child law cases. The Guardian has reported that parents could be denied contact with their child and lose child custody if they try to turn their child against their former parent. CAFCASS has implemented frameworks to identify and address alienating behaviours, recognising these patterns appear in a significant proportion of cases handled annually. The organisation now uses the term ‘alienating behaviours’ rather than ‘syndrome,’ focusing on observable actions and their impact on children rather than diagnosing a medical condition. The Case of Re B (change of residence; parental alienation) is a further example of this in which a child was removed from the alienating parent’s custody.

The new CAFCASS approach initially provides alienating parents the opportunity to alter their behaviour with therapy. If alienating parents fail to respond they will not be allowed to have their children with them. Additionally, contact between the alienating parent and child could also be refused for a number of months.

Is a child’s refusal for contact always related to parental alienation syndrome?

It is important to distinguish between parental alienation syndrome and other reasons why a child may say that they do not wish to spend time with a parent. These can include:

• post-separation rejection – this is usually a temporary reaction to the changing family situation
• justified rejection – this could be where child has been harmed by a parent or is frightened of them because of domestic abuse or other harmful parenting, such as neglect or substance misuse.
• affinity/alignment – where a child prefers spending time with one parent over the other. This can develop before/during/after separation.
• harmful conflict – where the parents actively disagree with each other and are unable to put the needs of the child first. This varies in intensity/impact.

Therefore parents must carefully understand whether the feelings of children have changed due to parental alienation or other reasons. Parental alienation must be taken seriously to avoid causing serious harm to your child.

Can parental alienation syndrome be diagnosed by a GP?

No, GPs cannot officially diagnose parental alienation syndrome as it’s not in standard medical diagnostic manuals. However, they can spot concerning changes in your child’s behaviour and refer you to specialist child psychologists.

Child psychologists and family law experts are far better equipped to assess alienation through specialised evaluations. If you’re worried about parental alienation syndrome, get assistance and guidance from family lawyers who work with qualified mental health professionals.

What evidence do courts need for parental alienation syndrome cases?

Courts want hard evidence – detailed contact logs showing interference patterns, witness statements from teachers or family, and communications (texts, emails) proving alienating behaviour.

Professional reports pack the biggest punch: child psychologist assessments, CAFCASS reports identifying alienation, and therapy records. Start documenting everything from day one – courts need proof of systematic manipulation, not just normal post-divorce stress.

How does parental alienation syndrome affect teenagers differently?

Teenagers hit by alienation syndrome fight back harder and refuse contact more stubbornly than younger kids. They’re better with words and make their rejection sound more convincing and logical.

But here’s the upside – teens can also understand complex family situations better once proper help kicks in. Family lawyers know teenage reunification needs special tactics that respect their independence while tackling the manipulation underneath.

Can parental alienation syndrome start during marriage?

Absolutely. Parental alienation syndrome often begins while parents are still together, especially in high-conflict homes where one parent systematically poisons the children against the other.

This is dangerous because it usually gets much worse after separation. Family law experts stress early intervention is crucial – catching alienation before divorce can save relationships that might otherwise be destroyed permanently.

What role do schools play in spotting parental alienation syndrome?

Teachers often spot the first warning signs – sudden grade drops, social withdrawal, or kids getting upset about seeing the non-resident parent. They notice when children use inappropriate adult language about family drama.

Schools provide powerful court evidence through objective observations of behavioural changes. Keep teachers in the loop – their witness statements can make or break your parental alienation syndrome case.

How fast can parental alienation syndrome develop in young kids?

Frighteningly fast. Young children (3-8 years) can show signs within weeks because they naturally trust their main caregiver and can’t question what they’re told.

Little kids believe whatever sounds convincing from someone they depend on. This makes early action absolutely critical – family lawyers emphasize that young children’s beliefs can be corrected quickly if you act fast, but become set in stone if you wait.

What treatments work for severe parental alienation syndrome?

Severe cases need intensive reunification therapy designed specifically for damaged parent-child relationships, plus individual therapy for the alienated child and family therapy addressing the whole mess.

Specialized court-ordered programs like “Overcoming Barriers” show real results. Generic family counselling rarely works for severe alienation – you need family law experts working with therapists who understand this specific problem.

How do grandparents fight alienation in court?

Grandparents must first get court permission to apply for contact orders under the Children Act. Courts look at your previous relationship with grandchildren and whether contact serves their best interests.

Document your bond before alienation started, keep records of blocked contact attempts, and gather witness statements. Family law specialists know exactly what evidence courts need to restore grandparent relationships.

Can parental alienation syndrome excuse abuse allegations?

Never. Courts carefully separate genuine child safety concerns from manipulation tactics. Real abuse investigations must happen before considering alienation factors.

Sometimes abuse and alienation exist together in the same family. Family law experts stress that child protection always comes first – alienation syndrome cannot and should not be used to dismiss legitimate safety concerns.

What happens if parental alienation syndrome goes untreated for years?

The relationship dies. Children may permanently reject the targeted parent, carrying trust issues and relationship problems into adulthood. Some never reconnect, even as adults.

Psychological damage becomes nearly impossible to reverse once alienated beliefs are deeply rooted. Family lawyers see this tragedy repeatedly – waiting “to see if things improve” usually means losing your child forever.

How do international parental alienation syndrome cases work?

International cases are legal nightmares involving Hague Convention rules and multiple court systems. When children are taken abroad as part of alienation, you need specialists who understand cross-border family law.

Courts consider which country has jurisdiction, enforcement across borders, and preventing further alienation abroad. Only family lawyers experienced in international cases can navigate this complex maze effectively.

What emergency court orders exist for parental alienation syndrome?

Courts can grant urgent contact applications when all contact stops, prohibited steps orders to prevent further alienation, and emergency residence changes if children face immediate psychological harm.

Family law experts can get same-day court intervention when relationships are about to collapse permanently. Don’t wait – emergency orders can save situations that seem hopeless.

How do you rebuild after parental alienation syndrome?

Slowly and carefully. Focus on positive experiences without pressuring your child or criticizing the other parent. Professional therapeutic support is essential – you can’t fix this alone.

Structured reunification programs work best, with gradual contact increases and court protection from interference. Family lawyers and specialized therapists know rebuilding trust can’t be rushed or forced.

What support groups help parents facing alienation syndrome?

UK organisations like Families Need Fathers and Match (Mothers Against Teaching Children to Hate) offer crucial support through online and face-to-face meetings with other affected parents.

These groups provide emotional support, practical advice, and connections to experienced family lawyers and therapists. Many parents say these communities saved their sanity during the darkest times.

Can step-parents cause parental alienation syndrome?

Yes, step-parents can fuel alienation by supporting negative messaging, competing with biological parents, or encouraging kids to see their household as the “real” family.

Healthy step-families support children’s relationships with both biological parents. When step-parents contribute to alienation, courts may restrict their involvement or order family therapy to fix inappropriate boundaries.

How do courts handle parental alienation syndrome in custody changes?

Courts rely on CAFCASS evaluations, expert psychological assessments, and documented evidence of alienating behaviour patterns over time.

Judges weigh alienation severity, impact on the child, and whether changing custody would help or harm. Family lawyers must prove how alienation damages children’s best interests to win custody modifications.

How are children protected during parental alienation syndrome court cases?

Courts appoint children’s guardians, independent social workers, and child representatives who fight solely for the child’s interests – not either parent’s agenda.

Kids get therapeutic support during proceedings, supervised contact for safety, and protection from being dragged into adult conversations about the case. Their voices matter, but they’re shielded from manipulation.

How do money issues affect parental alienation syndrome cases?

Alienation cases cost serious money – court fees, therapy, assessments, and extended legal battles. Child maintenance may change if custody shifts, and someone has to pay for court-ordered treatment.

Courts often make alienating parents pay costs, especially if their behaviour caused expensive litigation. Family lawyers can advise on legal aid, insurance options, and payment plans for essential professional help.

The long term impact of parental alienation is well documented. These effects may not become clear until the child is maturing. These impacts include children suffering from low self-esteem, self-hatred, abandonment issues, lack of trust depression and are more likely to have substance abuse or addictions. The child will tend to internalise the hatred targeted toward the alienated parent and will begin believing the alienated parent did not want them or love them.

It is important to tackle parental alienation syndrome at the earliest possible convenience. This is to ensure it does not cause severe damage to a parent’s relationship with the child. Parental alienation lawyers have the ability to attempt to speak or formally write to the alienating parent. This can often cause them to respond to your request to contact positively. Parental alienation lawyers can also act as mediators to attempt to understand the reasons for a change in behaviour in the child parent relationship and resolve the parental alienation syndrome early. At Kabir Family Law we can also assist you in finding and contacting a therapist who will be able to identify parental alienation and attempt to prevent this psychological abuse. Furthermore, we can assist you in preparing your case for the Family Court if all other actions fail.