Let us talk about what parental alienation can look like under Ontario family law. One of the hardest parts of family law is seeing children caught in the middle of adult conflict.

Putting Children First: The Legal Standard That Matters Most

I have heard it all: ‘She’s too close to the children,’ ‘He’s controlling,’ ‘She’s turning them against me,’ and ‘He’s forcing them to spend time with him.’

Sometimes these concerns are legitimate. Sometimes they are not. But regardless of the allegations, the law requires us to focus on one thing above all else: the best interests of the child.

As a family lawyer, I encourage my clients to look beyond the hurt, anger, and frustration that often come with separation. The legal decisions you make today can have lasting consequences for your children – and for your family – for years to come.

Too often, children become pawns in litigation, and they should never be used as leverage. When it is safe and appropriate, parents have both a legal and moral responsibility to support their child’s relationship with the other parent.

Understanding Parental Alienation

Children deserve the freedom to love both parents without feeling guilty, pressured, or caught in the middle.

Parental alienation can include repeatedly criticizing or disparaging the other parent in front of the child, pressuring a child to choose sides, discussing court proceedings or adult legal issues with the child, coaching a child on what to say to professionals or the court, and encouraging a child to reject or fear the other parent without a legitimate reason.

These behaviours can have lasting emotional consequences for the child.

Children are not evidence. Children are not bargaining chips. Children are not legal strategies.

The end of a relationship does not end the responsibilities of parenthood.

Protecting children from adult conflict and supporting healthy parent-child relationships, where safe to do so, remains one of the most important obligations a parent has.

Arrange a confidential consultation ›

(This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.)