Parental Alienation in the situation of a divorce or separation – What can a parent do?

Family law becomes challenging when there are children in the equation. If a couple who were not married, broke up, there is not much to squabble about afterward if there were no kids. The same applies to a divorced couple. The only potential issues in such a divorce would be that of the matrimonial property regime and possible personal maintenance. If there are children involved, couples must deal with the issue of child maintenance, care, contact, and guardianship as well. The latter issues are usually the stumbling blocks in a divorce case or post-separation. At the end of the day, in all matters concerning children, the law says that their best interests should be upheld. Now let us look at the issue of parental alienation in the context of child custody disputes.

What is parental alienation?

This article in no means provides a psychological analysis or definition of parental alienation. It deals with the legal relief a parent can seek should parental alienation be perpetrated. On the web, the following definition of parental alienation is provided: “The term parental alienation refers to psychological manipulation of a child, by saying and doing things that lead the child to look unfavorably on one parent or the other. In essence, parental alienation amounts to brainwashing the child, and it can be done both consciously and unconsciously. This is a significant problem in family law cases and something that the courts take very seriously…” We are certain there are many more similar definitions. However, what seems to be clear is that parental alienation deals with a situation where one parent tries to detrimentally affect the relationship a child has with the other parent.

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)

Then there is the issue of parental alienation syndrome (PAS). Whatever the definition or consequence of parental alienation is, it is an issue that needs to be addressed from a legal point of view. This article tackles that. This is so as parental alienation negatively affects the relationship between a child and his or her parent. Clearly, that would not be in the child’s best interests.

What should one do if you suspect parental alienation taking place?

Looking at what constitutes parental alienation, a parent who experiences parental alienation would see a change in the child’s behaviour towards that parent. This change could be for various reasons. Some would be obvious and some less so. It would not mean that parental alienation is taking place due to every change in the child’s demeanour towards the affected parent. Maybe the child is being adversely affected by the separation or continual arguing by the parents and no parental alienation is actually taking place. Therefore, to verify that there is some form of parental alienation, an expert would need to be approached. In this case, we refer to a psychologist or social worker with the necessary experience and training in relation to parental alienation.

How to stop parental alienation?

If a parent is practising parental alienation, by, for example, badmouthing the other parent, undermining the child’s relationship with the other parent, and so on, before approaching the courts, the parents must try to resolve this issue through less harsh means. Parents must try to go for family or parent counselling, or some type of mediation. This would all be based on the fact that an expert already advised that there is parental alienation taking place which adversely affects the minor child. If the latter suggestions and other potential avenues do not work, then, unfortunately, the court would need to be approached.

What can the Court do regarding parental alienation?

If a parent believes that parental alienation is taking place, and the other parent does not want to work towards eradicating it, then, unfortunately, the court would need to be approached for relief. The court would be guided by what the experts have to say. It may happen that the court request the Family Advocate, or the private psychologist to advise on the issue of parental alienation and give the court some guidance on how it can be eradicated. Each case is different and therefore handled differently. A court may decide that in order to limit parental alienation, the child should have more contact with the affected parent. For example, the affected parent should be the one that takes and collects the child from school. In other cases, the court may decide to reverse the care and contact arrangements already in place. In other words, the child would not reside primarily by the parent who was the victim of parental alienation.

The court would be guided by what is best for the minor child involved. As the presiding officer and lawyers involved are not child care experts, they would be greatly guided by those who are. However, the court would have the final say in the matter. We are certain that you found the above article useful and interesting. Please consider sharing it on the share buttons below. They include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail and more. Someone may find it useful as well. Should you require business advice or services, feel free to click on these links: Business SA | Private Legal | Envirolaws

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Parental Alienation in the situation of a divorce or separation – What can a parent do?

Family law becomes challenging when there are children in the equation. If a couple who were not married, broke up, there is not much to squabble about afterward if there were no kids. The same applies to a divorced couple. The only potential issues in such a divorce would be that of the matrimonial property regime and possible personal maintenance. If there are children involved, couples must deal with the issue of child maintenance, care, contact, and guardianship as well. The latter issues are usually the stumbling blocks in a divorce case or post-separation. At the end of the day, in all matters concerning children, the law says that their best interests should be upheld. Now let us look at the issue of parental alienation in the context of child custody disputes.

What is parental alienation?

This article in no means provides a psychological analysis or definition of parental alienation. It deals with the legal relief a parent can seek should parental alienation be perpetrated. On the web, the following definition of parental alienation is provided:

“The term parental alienation refers to psychological manipulation of a child, by saying and doing things that lead the child to look unfavorably on one parent or the other. In essence, parental alienation amounts to brainwashing the child, and it can be done both consciously and unconsciously. This is a significant problem in family law cases and something that the courts take very seriously…”

We are certain there are many more similar definitions. However, what seems to be clear is that parental alienation deals with a situation where one parent tries to detrimentally affect the relationship a child has with the other parent.

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)

Then there is the issue of parental alienation syndrome (PAS). Whatever the definition or consequence of parental alienation is, it is an issue that needs to be addressed from a legal point of view. This article tackles that. This is so as parental alienation negatively affects the relationship between a child and his or her parent. Clearly, that would not be in the child’s best interests.

What should one do if you suspect parental alienation taking place?

Looking at what constitutes parental alienation, a parent who experiences parental alienation would see a change in the child’s behaviour towards that parent. This change could be for various reasons. Some would be obvious and some less so. It would not mean that parental alienation is taking place due to every change in the child’s demeanour towards the affected parent.

Maybe the child is being adversely affected by the separation or continual arguing by the parents and no parental alienation is actually taking place. Therefore, to verify that there is some form of parental alienation, an expert would need to be approached. In this case, we refer to a psychologist or social worker with the necessary experience and training in relation to parental alienation.

How to stop parental alienation?

If a parent is practising parental alienation, by, for example, badmouthing the other parent, undermining the child’s relationship with the other parent, and so on, before approaching the courts, the parents must try to resolve this issue through less harsh means. Parents must try to go for family or parent counselling, or some type of mediation. This would all be based on the fact that an expert already advised that there is parental alienation taking place which adversely affects the minor child. If the latter suggestions and other potential avenues do not work, then, unfortunately, the court would need to be approached.

What can the Court do regarding parental alienation?

If a parent believes that parental alienation is taking place, and the other parent does not want to work towards eradicating it, then, unfortunately, the court would need to be approached for relief. The court would be guided by what the experts have to say. It may happen that the court request the Family Advocate, or the private psychologist to advise on the issue of parental alienation and give the court some guidance on how it can be eradicated. Each case is different and therefore handled differently.

A court may decide that in order to limit parental alienation, the child should have more contact with the affected parent. For example, the affected parent should be the one that takes and collects the child from school. In other cases, the court may decide to reverse the care and contact arrangements already in place. In other words, the child would not reside primarily by the parent who was the victim of parental alienation.

The court would be guided by what is best for the minor child involved. As the presiding officer and lawyers involved are not child care experts, they would be greatly guided by those who are. However, the court would have the final say in the matter.

We are certain that you found the above article useful and interesting. Please consider sharing it on the share buttons below. They include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail and more. Someone may find it useful as well.

Should you require business advice or services, feel free to click on these links:

Business SA | Private Legal | Envirolaws

Relocation of minor children with a parent. What does the Courts and Family Advocate look at?
Relocating with your minor child where the consent of the other parent is provided is ideal. If consent is not provided, then the Court would need to get involved. This applies to both local (example, provincial relocation) and international (moving abroad). Our High Court often hear applications for relocation of minor children. Sometimes the issues are simple, and other times, less so. However, the ultimate question is whether or not it is in the minor child’s best interest.
High Court getting involved in minor children relocation matters
In the unreported judgment of CG v NG 2015 JDR 0391 (GJ), the Applicant, being the mother, approached the Gauteng High Court for permission to relocate with her minor children from Gauteng to Cape Town. We shall not deal with the history and all the facts of the matter, save for the important principles applied to the relevant facts. In this matter, the Office of the Family Advocate was called upon to provide a report as to the intended relocation. This they did and which the Court considered. That is illustrated in the judgment below.
Extracts of a Judgemnet of the High Court in a Relocation of minor children matter
The following aspects of the judgement would be of benefit:
[22] The ruling on the postponement leaves this court to deal with the only remaining issue between the parties and that is whether or not the Applicant should relocate to Cape Town with the minor children. The law on matters of relocation is clear. The relocation must be in the best interest of the minor children as is prescribed in the Children’s Act No. 38of 2005. In addition, an applicant in the position of the Applicant is at liberty to relocate with minor children provided his or her intention is bona fide and reasonable. The test applies to both relocation within the borders of South Africa and abroad. See Jackson v Jackson 2002 SA 303 (SCA) and B v M 2006 (9) BCLR 1034 (W) to which Counsel for the Applicant referred this court. [23] Accordingly, the following two questions arise: 23.1 Is the proposed relocation in the best interest of the minor children? 23.2 Is the Applicant’s intended move bona fide and reasonable? [24] Whether or not an applicant’s proposed move is bona fide and reasonable should be a factual enquiry. Needless to state therefore that each case must be assessed on its own merits. The Applicant has been living in Johannesburg, xxx, while married to the Respondent and to date she continues to do so. [25] Her relationship with the Respondent has become estranged a result of which she now holds the view that it will benefit her to be next to her family, mother, father brother and sister-in-law all of whom are in the area of Cape Town, xxx. [26] Her family will give her the emotional support that she cannot get in Johannesburg. Furthermore, once the minor children are settled, her mother will give her support by fetching them from school such that she could start looking for employment. [27] As the primary custodian parent of the minor children, her move to Cape Town will of necessity be in their best interest. She does not see herself being separated from them as that will prejudice her relationship with them. Her proposed move to Cape Town is supported by her psychologists, Ms Becker and, Ms Chelvers. [28] The Applicant asserts further that the Respondent whom she describes as ‘exceedingly wealthy’ can still exercise his rights as per the orders of Van Oosten and Victor JJ. She does not foresee any problems whether financially or otherwise for The Respondent to fly to Cape Town to see the children as he does presently in Johannesburg. [29] In response to the Applicant’s averments, the respondent alleges that it will not be possible for him to travel to Cape Town on a weekly or monthly basis as this will necessarily involve increased costs for him. Moreover, it will take him away from his only source of income, his work. [30] The relocation of the minor children means that he will have to seek accommodation in Cape Town, transport and time off work in order to exercise his rights. His ability to generate income will be immensely impaired and that could have devastating repercussions for both the minor children and the Applicant especially as she is unemployed and fully dependent on the monthly maintenance that he pays. [31] The Family Advocate unequivocally recommends that the status quo be maintained because to move the minor children to Cape Town will reverse the stability that has prevailed since the introduction of the increased access by their father. The Applicant herself has agreed that all three minor children like their father and that they cannot wait to visit him. The Family Advocate also alludes to the fact that Gabriel, the eldest of the minor children appears settled with her friends at school. [32] Moving them to Cape Town under these circumstances could upset their routine and bring unnecessary shock to their lives at the time when they are beginning to settle. The Family Advocate is an expert in these kind of matters and he undoubtedly compiled the report with the best interest of the minor children in mind. This court has no reason to doubt the outcome and accordingly adopts it. [33] In the result, the following order is made:
The application is dismissed;
The Applicant is ordered to pay the costs as between attorney and client.
From the above it is clear that the Court looked at various factors, as well as the report of the Office of the Family Advocate.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

What are twenty (20) common legal questions and answers in South Africa?
While legal questions can vary depending on country and circumstances, here are 20 common legal questions and brief answers. Keep in mind that these responses are general and may not cover all aspects of the law. If you have specific legal concerns, it’s always advisable to consult with a qualified attorney or advocate.
What should I do if I’m involved in a car accident?
Answer: Ensure everyone is safe, call the police, exchange information with the other party, and document the scene.
How do I create a legally binding contract?
Answer: Include offer, acceptance, consideration, legality, capacity, and intention to create legal relations.
What is the process for filing for divorce?
Answer: It generally involves filing a Summons, serving the other party, and going through court proceedings.
How can I protect my intellectual property?
Answer: Register trademarks, patents, or copyrights depending on the type of intellectual property.
What is the difference between a will and a living will?
Answer: A will outlines distribution of assets after death; a living will expresses medical treatment preferences.
How can I start a small business legally?
Answer: Register your business, obtain necessary licenses, and comply with tax regulations.
What are my rights if I’m arrested?
Answer: You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial.
How does insolvency work?
Answer: It generally involves the filing of a Court Application, attending a meeting of creditors, and the discharge of debts.
Can I be fired without cause?
Answer: No
What is the process for adopting a child?
Answer: It involves an application to the Children’s Court, where an adoption social worker gets involved. The process is outlined in the Children’s Act.
What rights do tenants have?
Answer: Rights include the right to a habitable dwelling, privacy, and protection from unlawful eviction.
How do I deal with workplace discrimination?
Answer: Document incidents, report to HR, and consult an employment lawyer if necessary.
What steps should I take after being injured in a slip and fall accident?
Answer: Seek medical attention, document the scene, and consult with an attorney or advocate.
Can I represent myself in court?
Answer: Yes, but it’s often advisable to seek legal representation for complex matters.
What is the process for obtaining a patent?
Answer: File a patent application with the relevant patent office.
What age is a child an adult?
Answer: 18
Where do I get divorced?
Answer: You start the process by issuing a Summons out of the Court.
How can I dispute a traffic ticket?
Answer: Follow the procedures outlined on the ticket, gather evidence, and consider consulting with an attorney or advocate.
What rights do I have when stopped by the police?
Answer: You have the right to remain silent, the right to refuse searches, and the right to an attorney.
How do I start the process of creating a will?
Answer: Consult with an attorney, list your assets, and specify your wishes for distribution. You can also do it on your own if you know what you are doing.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw