A Father v A Mother

A Father v A Mother

The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrated that the children's opposition to contact with their father was the result of the mother's sustained hostility and alienating behaviour, causing significant emotional harm. There were no welfare reasons to prevent contact, and the children would benefit from a relationship with their father. The mother must change her approach or risk further intervention, including possible removal of the children.

Parties
Applicant: A Father; First Respondent: A Mother; Second Respondent: R and A (by their NYAS Caseworker)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Proceedings / Final Hearing, Judgment, Adjournment
Outcome
Case adjourned for further assessment and directions; no final orders on residence or contact yet.
Legal Topics
Parental Alienation, Contact Arrangements, Emotional Harm, Welfare Assessment
Family Law Child Welfare Parental Alienation Contact Arrangements Emotional Harm Welfare Assessment

Case Brief

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Parties

A Father

Applicant

A Mother

First Respondent

R and A (by their NYAS Caseworker)

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Children Proceedings / Final Hearing, Judgment, Adjournment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the children's refusal to see their father is due to parental alienation by the mother
  2. 2 Whether the children are suffering significant emotional harm attributable to the mother's conduct
  3. 3 Whether contact between the children and father should be re-established

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrated that the children's opposition to contact with their father was the result of the mother's sustained hostility and alienating behaviour, causing significant emotional harm. There were no welfare reasons to prevent contact, and the children would benefit from a relationship with their father. The mother must change her approach or risk further intervention, including possible removal of the children.

Court Disposition

Case adjourned for further assessment and directions; no final orders on residence or contact yet.

Orders

  • Judgment to be shared with the children by the caseworker in a child-focused manner, with the mother present.
  • Local authority encouraged to support further contact between father and children pending next hearing.