Parental alienation in the family court is now referred to as alienating behaviours. It happens when a child resists or rejects a relationship with one parent due to the influence or actions of the other parent. This emotional manipulation can severely damage the child’s perception of the rejected parent. It often leads to the child making false accusations or having extreme emotional responses.
Recognising the Signs of Parental Alienation
Children affected by parental alienation may show an unjustified fear, anger, or hostility toward one parent, often idealising the other. These behaviours can range from mild to severe and may affect children of any age. The longer alienating behaviours go unaddressed, the more damaging they can become — potentially leading to lifelong emotional and psychological consequences.
Within the family court system it is recognised as a form of emotional abuse. If left unaddressed, the child and alienated parent can be impacted in a long lasting and deeply harmful way.
Children of any age can be affected. The severity of the alienation often depends on the child’s age and the intensity of the alienating behaviours. Parents and children experiencing alienation require specialist legal advice and often input from experienced professionals such as psychologists or social workers.
If you suspect alienating behaviours are affecting your relationship with your child, it’s crucial to act quickly.
How We Can Help
At Children in the Middle, we understand how distressing and complex parental alienation can be for the child and parent.
We specialise in complex family law cases including parental alienation. Our experienced family law barristers will give you clear, practical legal advice tailored to your situation, This will include the steps you can take to try to protect your relationship with your child.
We also work with other family court professionals to help support your relationship with your child.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until the damage is irreversible. Contact us today for expert legal advice on parental alienation.