Legal News | 28.04.25

Breaking down the latest guidance on parental alienation

An increase in accusations of alienating behaviours (previously parental alienation) by one parent against another has led The Family Justice Council to publish Guidance to Courts, lawyers and parents to help improve the approach for children and families.

What are alienating behaviours?

The 2025 Guidance sets out three necessary elements for a Court to find alienating behaviours have occurred:

• The child is reluctant, resistant, or refusing to engage with a parent (RRR’s);
• The reluctance is not due to the behaviour of a rejected parent (e.g. appropriate justified rejection); and
• The favoured parent has engaged in behaviours that have directly or indirectly caused the child’s rejection.

What are the consequences?

It is often forgotten that, in the breakdown of a relationship, there remains a legal presumption that a parent’s involvement in their child’s life is in the child’s best interests. This presumption places an obligation to promote contact and take all necessary steps before abandoning that goal.

Alienating behaviours can lead to a breakdown in the relationship between the child and non-resident parent, which can affect the child’s well-being in the short term and for the rest of their life. It is crucial that the children of the family are not drawn into conflict between their parents, and this requires both parents to focus on the needs of the children above their own.

What can I do?

You may be able to work through family mediation to reach a suitable agreement between both parents but if you feel that your contact arrangements have broken down, the family team at Wansbroughs are well equipped to advise on your options for restoring your time with your children. They can also assist with all private children law matters and any other issues arising from a separation.

If you would like further information, Wansbroughs’ Family team can assist, please call 01380 733300 or email family@wansbroughs.com.