A very interesting article from the UK’s Law Gazette – for practising legal professionals.

The courts in England and Wales are slowly becoming exposed to a phenomenon known as ‘parental alienation’. In fact, it is being progressively recognised throughout the courts.

Which is excellent news. The article admits that “There is some way to go”. Judgements are now starting to be passed using the words ‘parental alienation’, albeit in higher courts.

There is obviously a need for trained professionals that can testify in the lower courts, that can recognise PA without the need for the non-residential parent to bankrupt himself in the process paying for expert reports. As I have mentioned before time is of the essence. The longer the PA abuse carries on the more damage there is to repair – by the time the case reaches the higher courts where PA is determined the consequences can be huge – potentially the removal of the child(ren) into the custody of the non-residential parent. The emotional damage to the child(ren) that could have been avoided is significant.

There is a long way to go, and there is no silver bullet. But official acknowledgement that it exists, and that there is a willingness to do something positive to stop it fills me with hope for the future.

I’ll finish with the end of a comment on the article, from a  professional in these matters:

Again, congratulations on your article and your recognition that this is a scourge to be stamped out, in the best interests of the children.

via Family law: parental alienation | Feature | Law Society Gazette