Our Blog
Divorcing parents continue to accuse each other of deliberately trying to brainwash children against their former partners and the number of such cases is on the rise, claims a report to be presented at the Melbourne meet of the Australian Institute of Family Studies later this month.
The study is based on a meta-analysis of child custody litigations filed in the Family Court of Australia in the past 15 years. There are at least 230 cases since 1997 where parental alienation, brainwash, alienation and related words found mentions. In 74 cases, the court unambiguously recorded observations about presence of parental alienation.
The number of such cases rose from just two in 2005 to 22 in 2010, despite efforts by judges to refrain from explicitly talking about parental alienation. The court has indicted mothers in 20 cases, fathers in 15 cases and both in one case for intentionally brainwashing the mind of their children against the other partner.
Parental alienation is the most dangerous fall out of parental conflict. According to psychologists, it may result in unfounded fear of the noncustodial parent in the minds of children and ultimately impact their mental state and future. Many of the alienated children lead a secluded life and do not respond to counselling. There were cases where courts have to intervene and invoke necessary family law provisions to force warring parents give up attempt to brainwash children.
Lloyds and Barclay lawyers experienced in family lawsuits can help minimize the stress of divorce and child custody litigations by assisting you in court proceedings, mediation and conciliation. Contact us to know your rights and obligations under the family law and protect the future of your children.
