Blog
Parenting and separation – the challenges of parental alienation and what to do about it
Rachel Cooper
As solicitors in the family team at Kingsley Napley, we experience first-hand on a daily basis the need for children to be placed at the centre of all decisions made following separation. Ensuring a child is put first is also well reflected in the law and the court’s first consideration is always given to the welfare of the child.
In recent years the term “parental alienation” has risen to prominence in intractable contact disputes. We are well versed in this extremely complex area of law, and well read in the relevant psychology.
While there is no single definition, CAFCASS uses the term “alienating behaviours” to describe circumstances where there is an ongoing pattern of negative attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of one parent (or carer) that have the potential or expressed intent to undermine or obstruct the child’s relationship with the other parent. It is one of a number of reasons why a child may reject or resist spending time with one parent post-separation.
As a team we have a huge breadth and depth of experience in these cases acting for both parents. We understand the balancing act to be undertaken in these scenarios where the cost of ignoring properly founded allegations can be too great, contrasted with the need for fast and robust intervention where the allegations are unfounded.
Whoever we are acting for and whichever party is presenting an intractable position, every case like this has one common denominator; a child or children stuck in the middle whose present and future welfare lies in the balance. We understand the grave importance of this situation and can guide you through it, alongside medical and therapeutic professionals to provide not just a legal approach but a holistic service which optimises the outcome for you and your children.
Connie Atkinson
Partner
Abby Buckland
Partner
Lauren Evans
Partner
Jane Keir
Partner
Will MacFarlane (Français)
Partner
Will MacFarlane
Partner
Stacey Nevin
Partner
Alexandra Bishop
Legal Director
Claire Wood (Français)
Legal Director
Claire Wood
Legal Director
Charlotte Bradley (Français)
Senior Consultant
Charlotte Bradley
Senior Consultant
Hannah Butcher
Senior Associate
Sarah Dodds
Senior Associate
Colleen Hall (Français)
Senior Associate
Colleen Hall
Senior Associate
Mia Harrison
Senior Associate
Cate Maguire
Senior Associate
Hannah Muress
Senior Practice Development Lawyer
Olivia Stiles
Senior Associate
Rachel Cooper
Associate
Lydia Holland
Associate
Liam Hurren
Associate
Eleanor Mills
Associate
Lisa Robertson
Associate
Nevin Rosenberg (Français)
Associate
Nevin Rosenberg
Associate
Charlotte Daintith
Trainee Solicitor
Eimear Sloan
Paralegal
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