Parental Alienation – What about the children?

Many parents feel that having children is their greatest achievement, they will do anything and everything for them and their love is unconditional. So why can the focus of what is best for a child completely disappear when parents separate?

Unfortunately, when it comes to parents separating the focus sometimes shifts from what is best for the child and the parent’s behaviour towards the children can be clouded by the animosity felt between the parents in respect of one another.

In some instances, this animosity can manifest itself in one parent to such a degree that they actively, whether consciously or not, denigrate the other parent to the child directly damaging that child’s viewpoint of and relationship with the other parent. This sometimes leads to the child resisting or refusing to see the other parent.

Unfounded negative representations of one parent of the other is what we now refer to as Parental Alienation.

Cafcass 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”

Cafcass have developed a framework for dealing with cases where there may be Parental Alienation which can be found here https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/professionals/ciaf/?highlight=CIAF

In the most recent reported case Re: H (Parental Alienation), the judgement for which can be read here https://www.familylaw.co.uk/docs/font/re-h-(parental-alienation)-pa-v-tt-2019-ewhc-2723-(fam).pdf?sfvrsn=b9915bb5_2

In brief there had been six sets of proceedings covering much of the time since the parents separated. These latest proceedings had resulted in an expert being instructed to assess the family and the conclusion was damming of the mother. The Judge in this case took the step of ordering that the child should move to live with his father.

Whilst it may be considered an extreme step, this will not have been a decision made lightly and the courts paramount concern would have been the welfare of the child and giving the child the opportunity to have a positive relationship with both parents.

If you are experiencing difficulties agreeing arrangements for the care of your child or children as a result of family breakdown, then Alsters Kelley offer a free 30 minutes appointment during which we can provide practical advice to assist. We have offices covering Leamington, Coventry, Nuneaton and Southam so do not hesitate to contact us on 01926 356016 or email sarah.ingram@alsterskelley.com to make your appointment today.