Fighting Back Against Parental Alienation

For many parents, the pain of being separated from their children due to unfair access or manipulation by the other parent is a deep and enduring struggle. Parental alienation, where a child is turned against one parent by the other, has long been a hidden wound for many families.

Now, new legal measures in Singapore provide hope for frustrated parents alienated from their children.

I’ve seen cases where one parent was systematically erased from their child’s life through lies and manipulation, and it is damaging not just to the parent but to the child’s emotional development."
~ Ms Gloria James

For the alienated parent, the experience is devastating. Imagine missing years of your child’s milestones because your ex-spouse has poisoned the relationship. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, anger, and despair.

Key Changes in Child Access Enforcement for 2025

Starting January 2, 2025, Singapore will introduce significant reforms to child access enforcement, bringing renewed hope to parents affected by alienation. The measures, announced by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), aim to promote co-parenting harmony and ensure the welfare of children.

Key changes include:

Counselling and Mediation

• Parents who breach access orders may be required to attend mandatory counselling or mediation sessions to address conflicts and foster healthier co-parenting relationships.

Make-Up Access and Compensation

• Courts can order additional access time for parents who were unfairly denied their time with their children.
• Compensation for expenses, such as prepaid travel or accommodation costs, can be claimed if a breach occurs.

Security Pledges and Performance Bonds

• To ensure compliance, parents may need to provide a financial guarantee, such as a performance bond.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Persistent breaches without legitimate reasons can result in penalties, including fines or, as a last resort, jail terms for the parent with care and control of the child.

Simplified Enforcement Process

• Changes to the Family Justice Rules will streamline enforcement, reducing the time and costs associated with court proceedings. The burden of proof shifts to the parent with care and control to explain any alleged breaches, making enforcement less burdensome for the other parent.

A New Hope for Parents

These reforms signal a progressive shift in Singapore’s family law, prioritising the child’s well-being while supporting parents in maintaining meaningful relationships with their children. Courts now recognise parental alienation as a serious issue and are taking stronger steps to address it.

"Parents often come to us feeling defeated, but we remind them that the law is on their side, and action can be taken," ~ Ms Sandra Ong

Real Stories, Real Solutions

Consider the case of John (not his real name), a father who was denied access to his son for over a year. His ex-spouse had convinced their child that John was uninterested and unfit to parent. With the help of legal intervention and new enforcement measures, John could present evidence of the alienation and regain regular access to his son. Through counselling, their relationship is now being repaired.

"We tell our clients to stay strong and focus on rebuilding their bond with their children. The courts increasingly recognise the seriousness of alienation and take steps to address it," ~ Ms Gloria James.

Moving Forward Together

Parental alienation is a painful journey, but parents no longer have to face it alone. The enhanced child access orders represent a significant step in ensuring children’s welfare and holding parents accountable for fostering meaningful relationships.

At GJC Law, our dedicated family lawyers are here to provide you with the advice and tools needed to take action. Remember, you have the right to be part of your child’s life; we’re here to help you make that a reality.