Parental alienation syndrome case inspires an unprecedented Ontario court decision

821335_sad_little_girlA recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision highlights the gravity the court attaches to cases of parental alienation syndrome in divorce and child custody cases. It is described as unprecedented as there is no other case in Canada where access to a child from the age of 10 to 18 has been terminated.

In this case the decision was in favour of the mother, who was given full custody of the youngest child in the family. The court issued a restraining order keeping the father from contacting his ex-wife or the youngest child; and awarded the mother more than $320,000. This decision was based on an overwhelming concern that child would become a victim of the Parental Alienation Syndrome.

Basically, the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is present when a child is brainwashed into thinking the other parent is the enemy through verbal and non verbal signals. This ranges from bad mouthing the other parent in front of the children, to withholding visits or telephone conversations with the other parent.

The judges found that the three oldest children of the marriage, who are now adults, were alienated from their mother by the father, who has taken aggressive steps towards this end. The panel believes that if the father had access to the youngest child, he would continue his foul practices.

Canadian law dictates that in the case of a divorce, both parents have a financial responsibility towards their children. If the mother has custody of the children as in this case, the father is required to pay child support, which is calculated according to his earnings. In this case the mother was awarded a very large sum of money ($320,000) since the father has abused the children in the family over a long period of time and has incurred vast emotional damage.

 

Author: maya on 23/06/2010
Category: Child Custody, Legal
8 responses to “Parental alienation syndrome case inspires an unprecedented Ontario court decision”
  1. Kudos to this judge for recognizing the alienating behavior and taking steps to protect the mother’s relationship with her child. Sadly, not enough legal and mental health professionals understand alienation so many other parents, children and extended family members experience the heartbreak that only parental alienation can create. For more information on parental alienation please visit http://www.afamilysheartbreak.com. Sincerely, mike jeffries Author, A Family’s Heartbreak: A Parent’s Introduction to Parental Alienation
  2. Do you blog beautiful, I love Oh, oh I will visit often ~ ;-)
  3. david a says:
    Here is my personal experience with Parental Alienation. Warning, strong language. I’d be interested in any feedback. I hope this video helps other people in similar situations. Thanks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJDsruc-xxg
  4. Lori says:
    My heart goes out to anyone experiencing PAS. It is perhaps the most heart wrenching experience any person, parent or child will go through. My children and I have fallen victim to this emotionally and psychologically disturbing behavior. My ex husband, who is emotionally unstable ( undiagnosed, because he blames all of his ill feelings on me… Hence the reason he left the marriage) he was suicidal and very depressed at the time. I had thought about leaving on many occasions because I was prey to his narsasistic controlling ways. I spent many years trying to perfect my role as the perfect wife. I always feared for my children if I was to leave , because while he had me to controll he was a good father. All that changed after he left our marriage. He vowed that when he was finished with me, I would be nothing and have nothing…….. NEVER expecting this would exclude our 3 children who I love so dearly. Months have past and my children ESP. My daughter claims she hates me…. But can’t explain why. They have become very physically and verbally abusive….. Because dad plants notions in their little heads that aren’t even true….. They have a very untrue recollection of our family when we were all together…. They see me as a demon who is out to destroy their father. It is a sad day when our children feel sorry for their father because he was arrested after threatening to kill me. The children have been told by dad that he doesn’t believe in my parenting skills, tells them they are in danger when with me. Is he delusional???? Perhaps… One child psychologist who listened to my account of the situation.. Called this a severe case of PAS. And claimed that it should abated by the court. The psych. Verbally told me that his behavior is that of a psychotic narsasist,. Despite a letter stating the above, not only did the judge increase custody, but the letter written by the psych. Was overlooked in court. And the children lawyer did address the fact in court that their is no signs of PAS. I would like to add that the only thing that was mention in regards to the letter was the fact that this psyc. Had only met with My ex 1-2 times and it was felt that this was an improper assessment on behalf of the psych. Of course my ex refuses a psyc assessment, and I am told that it is very difficult to have a judge order an assessment. So things remain ” status quo” and my feelings are that every agency passes the buck… The ones suffering are my children . It’s like watching their little souls die slowly everyday. The pain is real to them and they also see me as the cause. All I can do is pray… And that I do everyday because help feels so far out of reach. Anyone with suggestions, please comment. .
  5. KayHal says:
    I am so glad to hear others are experiencing the same thing as I am……my situation is terrible, as the father of my 2 young daughters are being kept from me, and I am now just beginning the legal battle to get them back. I am disgusted with their father, and like many he blames all his feelings and reasoning on me. I am tired of crying myself to sleep, and just want my kids. I will visit this site often, and share my experience with others. If anyone can offer advice at this time I would appreciate it. The beginning of a tough next couple months……
  6. Jodi12 says:
    There are all kinds of ailenation. Brainwashing should have stiff penalties! This happens to adults by adults too. Many parents ailenate children from their grandparents because of their own spite towards family members! It’s time that it all STOPS!
  7. chausjm says:
    This behaviour is affecting grandparent and grandchildren relations as well.
  8. Vicki says:
    This is heart wrenching. I have been going through PAS for three years. I finally had enough. I have a lawyer who s helping me greatly. We are beginning court processes now. I really hope I am not to late. I have 2 children and my ex has 2 children. The most recent allegation was that my 7 year old son is sexually abusing his younger sister. Even with the investigation closed, They didn’t find anything. He is still trying to say it is still happening. The only way he will let me see my children is if he supervises the access. I tried that, the only thing he could do during those visits was follow me around and call me derogratory names in front of not just my children but also his wife and their children. I am also only allowed to see my children if he brings hos ex wife and their children. The children that live with me he says he does not want to see. I want to say that it’s alienation. I am scared to. Please anyone some advice would be wonderful.

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