Support for

If you are a father who is being prevented from seeing your children, or whose relationship with your children is being deliberately undermined, this page is for you.

You may have tried to communicate with your ex and been ignored. You may have a court order that is not being followed. You may be facing false allegations. You may feel that the system is not on your side. All of these are common experiences for alienated fathers, and all of them are situations where practical, experienced support can make a real difference.

What alienated dads are often dealing with

• Being told contact has been stopped, often without warning or explanation
• Children being coached to say they do not want to see their father
• False allegations being made to police, social services or the court
• Contact arrangements being gradually reduced or undermined
• Children being moved away without agreement
• Being excluded from school, medical and other decisions
• Court orders being ignored with no consequences

What you can do

The most important thing is to take the right steps, in the right order, as calmly and clearly as possible. Courts respond well to fathers who are measured, child-focused and well-organised.

• Keep a clear, dated record of every incident, missed contact, messages and events
• Communicate in writing wherever possible and keep every message
• Apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order if one is not already in place
• If an order exists and is being breached, apply to enforce it
• Engage constructively with CAFCASS, they are the voice of the child
• Do not make negative comments about the other parent to or in front of the children

How The Separation Companion can help

Katherine Waterhouse provides practical, experienced support to fathers in exactly this situation. As a McKenzie Friend, she can attend court hearings with you, helping you feel prepared and supported on the day. She can also help you build your case, prepare documents, draft correspondence and understand what the court is looking for at each stage.

Support is available in person across Essex and Suffolk, and online anywhere in England and Wales.

It is not too late

Whatever stage you are at, there are steps you can take. Even if your relationship with your children has been damaged, the courts can help restore it. The key is to act, to act calmly, and to get the right support around you.