Parental Alienation

If you are a parent who is being prevented from seeing your children, or whose relationship with your children is being undermined by the other parent, you are not alone. This is one of the most painful situations a parent can face, and one of the most difficult to navigate without support.

Parental alienation, where one parent deliberately damages the relationship between a child and their other parent, is increasingly recognised by the family courts in England and Wales as a serious welfare issue. But the legal process for addressing it is slow, complex and emotionally exhausting.

The Separation Companion offers practical, experienced support to parents in this situation, helping you understand your options, prepare your case and take the right steps to restore your relationship with your children.

How I can help

Support is tailored to where you are in the process. Whether you have just realised what is happening, are already in court proceedings, or have a court order that is not being followed, I can help you:

• Understand the legal process and what remedies are available to you
• Document incidents and build a clear, organised record of what has happened
• Apply for a Child Arrangements Order using form C100
• Prepare for CAFCASS involvement and understand what they are looking for
• Prepare for court hearings and attend as your McKenzie Friend
• Respond to false allegations calmly and credibly
• Draft correspondence and communicate effectively with the other parent
• Enforce a court order that is being breached

What the family courts can do

The family courts in England and Wales have a range of powers available where a child's relationship with a parent is being damaged or prevented. These include Child Arrangements Orders specifying when you see your children, enforcement orders where an existing order is being breached, and in serious cases, changes to the primary living arrangements.

Courts now take parental alienation seriously as a child welfare issue. A parent who is found to be deliberately undermining a child's relationship with their other parent may face significant consequences. Presenting your case clearly, consistently and credibly is essential.

This is not just a father's issue

While alienated fathers make up a significant proportion of those seeking help in this situation, parental alienation affects mothers, grandparents and other family members too. Support is available to any parent or carer who is being excluded from a child's life.

You do not have to manage this alone

The family court process is not designed to be navigated without support. Many alienated parents who are self-representing parties (litigants in person) find the process overwhelming, and mistakes made early can be difficult to correct later. Having someone calm, organised and experienced alongside you makes a significant difference.