Parent alienation or protective parenting. Navigating allegations in contact disputes

by Kidd Rapinet on July 8, 2025
two young girls hugging

Few issues are more emotionally charged—or more complex—than allegations of parental alienation. But how do courts distinguish between a parent who is unjustly turning a child against the other parent, and one who is genuinely acting to protect their child from harm?

What’s the difference between being protective over your children and alienating them from the other parent?

Parental alienation involves one parent manipulating a child to reject the other parent without justification. Protective parenting, by contrast, arises when a parent restricts or puts conditions on contact due to genuine safeguarding concerns—such as emotional abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

The challenge for the court is to determine whether the child’s resistance to contact is the result of manipulation or a legitimate fear.

The Court Process: Step-by-Step

If you’re involved in a dispute over child arrangements, here’s how the process typically unfolds in England and Wales:

  1. Application to Court (C100 Form)

A parent applies to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order. If there are safeguarding concerns, a C1A form is also submitted, particularising these.

  1. Safeguarding Checks by Cafcass

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) conducts background checks including police and social services and may speak to both parents and the child. They submit a safeguarding letter to the court before the first hearing.

  1. First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)

The court considers the issues and may direct parties to mediation or order a Section 7 report if more information is needed.

  1. Section 7 Report

Cafcass or social services (or an independent social worker if the matter is urgent, and both parents want an early outcome) may be asked to prepare a detailed report on the child’s welfare, including their wishes and feelings, and any concerns about alienation or harm.

  1. Fact-Finding Hearing (if needed)

If serious allegations are made (e.g. abuse or alienation), the court may hold a separate hearing to determine the truth of those claims.

  1. Final Hearing – prioritising your child’s welfare

The judge makes a final decision based on all the evidence, always prioritising the child’s welfare.

Tips for navigating allegations of parental alienation

  • Keep a clear record – document all communications and incidents factually and calmly.
  • Avoid negative talk – don’t criticise the other parent in front of the child—this can be used as evidence of alienation.
  • Engage with Cafcass – be cooperative and child-focused in all interactions.
  • Promote safe contact – if there are no safeguarding risks, support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
  • Seek early legal advice – allegations of alienation or harm can escalate quickly—get guidance before responding emotionally.

Allegations of parental alienation or protective parenting are taken seriously by the courts. The key is evidence, not emotion. Whether you’re raising concerns or defending against them, the right legal support can make all the difference.

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s family solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.  Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

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