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Understanding parental alienation

Parental Alienation

Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, causing significant emotional and psychological harm. This complex issue can disrupt family dynamics, severely impacting the child, parent and other family members’ well-being.

At Nelsons, our team of family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham understand the profound effects of parental alienation and is committed to providing expert legal support to help you navigate these challenging circumstances.

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What is parental alienation?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child into showing unwarranted fear, disrespect, or hostility towards the other parent. This can severely damage the child’s relationship with the alienated parent.

Signs may include the child consistently criticising or showing no interest in the alienated parent, using language that seems coached, or showing unjustified fear or hostility towards the alienated parent.

If you suspect parental alienation, it’s crucial to act promptly to identify and address the behaviour swiftly.

Our solicitors’ expertise in parental alienation cases

Parental AlienationOur team has a long-standing reputation for excellence in family law. Recognised by leading legal directories, such as The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, we are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of parental alienation cases.

Our solicitors are known for their compassionate approach and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

How we can help:

  • Legal advice and representation – We offer comprehensive legal advice and representation tailored to your situation. Our solicitors will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the support you need.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – Our ADR services, which include collaborative lawmediation and Resolution Together, aim to resolve conflicts amicably, prioritising the best interests of your child. Mediation can be a valuable tool in addressing parental alienation, helping to rebuild relationships and fostering a cooperative parenting environment.
  • Court proceedings – If mediation is not successful or appropriate, we are prepared to represent you in Court. Our experienced solicitors will advocate on your behalf to secure a fair outcome and protect your parental rights. We understand the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with your child and will work tirelessly to achieve this.

Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.

Meet the team

Why choose Nelsons?

  • Experienced team – Our team solicitors have extensive experience in handling parental alienation cases. We are recognised for our expertise and commitment to excellence by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
  • Client-centred approach – We prioritise your needs and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child. Our client-centred approach ensures you receive personalised attention and support throughout the legal process.
  • Proven track record – We have a history of successful resolutions in complex family law cases. Our reputation for excellence is reflected in our testimonials from satisfied clients. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and achieving positive results for our clients.

Testimonials…

  • "Nelsons Family team are established, well known and reputable, and have a good standing in the regional market. They offer assistance with a wide range of family matters and have a reputation for being approachable, pragmatic, and good to deal with."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2025
  • “Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases..."

    Chambers and Partners
  • "...Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”

    Chambers and Partners (Continued)
  • "Nelsons...has an experienced family and children law practice, and is noted for its strength in cases with an international element. The family team...regularly advises high-net-worth individuals on financial relief cases..."

    The Legal 500
  • "...Melanie Bridgen, who heads up the children team, is experienced in complex children proceedings; this includes matters concerning international relocation, parental alienation and non-accidental injuries."

    The Legal 500 (Continued)
  • "Nelsons...is a leading firm in family law. They represent people from all walks of life and always give 110% to all of their cases. Their diversity is exceptional. Unlike other solicitors they are always on hand to speak by phone or email, night or day or weekend..."

    The Legal 500 2023
  • "...They will take the most challenging pro bono cases to ensure that clients have the best representation and advocacy."

    The Legal 500 2023 (Continued)
  • "Midlands powerhouse Nelsons...houses family law specialists in each of its three offices, led by Emma Davies (in Nottingham); Melanie Bridgen (Derby)..."

    The Legal 500 2023
  • "The firm is particularly recommended for its capabilities in dealing with international children law cases, a specialism of Bridgen, as well as, surrogacy, unravelling trusts, complex business arrangements and divorce..."

    The Legal 500 2023 (Continued)
  • "Superb family law team, class A and the absolute go to in children law and financial relief on divorce. They far outweigh their competitors in every aspect..."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
  • "The people provide hands on support and client care from the outset concentrating on strategy and approach. Given their wealth of experience, they are financially competitive."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024 (Continued)
  • "Nelsons are an well-established and highly respected firm, deservedly so. They cover a number of disciplines with the utmost professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with and prominent in the local legal community."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024

If you are facing issues related to parental alienation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our solicitors on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your relationship with your child.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Make an enquiry

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Parental Alienation FAQS

Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning parental alienation solicitors

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