The mother had persuaded her children of the lie that their father had physically and sexually abused them, and that their paternal grandparents were also a danger to them. She would not allow any contact with them, and disobeyed court orders for contact.
Held: Her conduct was causing the children significant harm. The court invited the local authority to take care proceedings, the outcome of which was the removal of the children from their mother, and residence orders in favour of their father. This was a clear case of parental alienation.
Judges:
Wall J
Citations:
[2003] 2 FLR 636, [2003] EWHC Fam 1024
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Cited by:
Cited – The Father v The Mother, O by Cafcass Legal; In re O (a Child) (Contact: Withdrawal of application) FD 12-Dec-2003
The father sought to withdraw his application for contact, but the court took the opportunity to explain some points relating to contact disputes.
Held: Such disputes engender very deep feelings. Courts must ensure contact with both parents . .
Cited – F v M FD 1-Apr-2004
The court considered the ‘ongoing debate’ about the court’s role in contact disputes. ‘this case illustrates all too uncomfortably the failings of the system. There is much wrong with our system and the time has come for us to recognise that fact . .
Cited – A Father (Mr A) v A Mother (Mrs A); Their Two Children (B And C) FD 4-Feb-2004
After a divorce, the father sought a joint residence order for the two young children. The mother alleged sexually inappropriate behaviour by the father. The court found this allegation clearly untrue. The dispute was bitter and protracted. . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Children
Updated: 21 August 2022; Ref: scu.188860