March 12, 2025
Parental alienation is receiving more attention than ever before, with increasing recognition from courts and legal professionals. We at Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors specialise in family law, and have seen a significant shift in how parental alienation is influencing court decisions and warn parents not to underestimate it as it’s changing the legal landscape in family disputes.
“This is an area of law that has evolved considerably in recent years,” said a Scott Emsden from our Family Law team. “Courts are now much more aware of the impact of parental alienation, and we are seeing it influence the outcome of cases more and more. The legal system is recognising that a child’s right to a meaningful relationship with both parents should not be unfairly obstructed.”
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent undermines the relationship between a child and the other parent, sometimes subtly, sometimes in extreme ways. It can include blocking contact, interfering with communication, exposing the child to adult issues, or fostering unwarranted hostility towards the other parent. Courts are increasingly taking these behaviours seriously, ensuring decisions focus on the child’s best interests.
It’s becoming a growing influence on court decisions as Scott and his team have seen first-hand how it is shaping legal outcomes. In a landmark case, the firm saw a mother whose child was placed with the father after the court found that parental alienation had significantly harmed the child’s wellbeing. The mother was found to have manipulated the child to such an extent that the judge removed the child from her care entirely, allowing only supervised visits. It demonstrates that the courts will not tolerate unjustified barriers to contact where no safeguarding concerns exist.
Public awareness is also on the rise with the campaign People Against Parental Alienation (PAPA) initiative. Recently, PAPA founder Simon Cobb concluded an eight-location awareness campaign at Ipswich Crown Court, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll that contact denial can have on children and parents. A display outside the courthouse, featuring flower wreaths and a sign reading “Say no to the death penalty: Loving your child is not a crime!”, draws attention to the severe impact of parental alienation, including links to mental health struggles.
How can our family lawyers help you if you’re experiencing these issues?
With parental alienation becoming a growing factor in legal rulings, parents affected by these issues are encouraged to seek legal advice and support. Options include:
Legal representation – Understanding rights and navigating court proceedings
Therapeutic support – Counselling for both parents and children
School involvement – Raising awareness of potential behavioural issues
Court applications – Seeking appropriate legal remedies to protect parent-child relationships
You can find out more at the PAPA (People Against Parental Alienation)
As awareness grows and more cases come before the courts, Bates Wells & Braithwaite remains committed to providing expert legal guidance for families navigating complex disputes.
You can contact us on 01473 219282 or email mail@bates-wells.co.uk