The Unbreakable Chain under Pressure: The Management of Post‐separation Parental Rejection

Abstract

Children who reject one parent after parental separation provide a major challenge for the family court in New Zealand, as in other countries. There are controversies about the causes and the management of these problems. This article reviews the available literature on the underlying causes of the problem, which we have called post‐separation parental rejection, and discusses ways in which the legal systems in New Zealand and elsewhere can respond in order to maximise the chance of the child maintaining a relationship with both parents through the process of litigation, a process which can be prolonged and difficult in the most severe cases. Suggestions are given about ways of minimising delay, enforcing contact and even changing custody where necessary.

Keywords:

• Parental Alienation
• Contact
• Intractable Access
• Custody Change

Notes

The authors would like to express their gratitude to Wolfson College, Cambridge, for a wonderful Spring Term 2005, as Visiting Fellows, during which this medico‐legal endeavour was undertaken. In particular they wish to thank Professor Hugh Bevan for his welcome, encouragement and helpful comments.