How we help
Personal Support Across Every Area of Child Custody
Alienation cases are among the hardest in family court to prove. Judges require clear evidence, not just a belief that something is happening. We have sat through many thousands of courtroom hours, and we understand what a judge needs to see.
Child Arrangement Order
A child arrangement order outlines where a child lives and who they spend time with. At McKenzie Picave, we will guide you through this process.
Cafcass Guide
Cafcass will assess your case throughout the proceedings. Learn what they do and how to prepare.
Prohibited Steps Order
Stop the other parent from taking specific action without your agreement, such as relocating your child abroad or moving their school.
Specific Issue Order
If you and the other parent are unable to agree on a decision about your child’s upbringing, such as schooling or medical care, this order will settle it.
Parental Responsibility
If you and the other parent are unable to agree on a decision about your child’s upbringing, such as schooling or medical care, this order will settle it.
Grandparents’ Rights
Contact with a grandchild isn’t automatic after a family breakdown. We explain the routes available if you’ve lost touch with yours.
How McKenzie Picave Supports Parental Alienation Cases
Since December 2024, family courts have followed formal Family Justice Council guidance on alienation cases. A judge must see proof of three things together: a child’s genuine reluctance to see a parent, that the reluctance is unjustified and that the other parent has directly caused it. Nothing less will secure a finding.
This is why preparation is so important. Cafacss will usually prepare a welfare report, looking at any evidence of alienating behaviour in detail. These cases rarely move quickly; they tend to take 35 weeks from start to finish. Nearly half of parents in similar cases go through it with no legal representation at all.
Facing that alone puts you at a real disadvantage. We’ve sat through enough hearings to understand what the judge is looking for. We help you build a factual, evidence-led account, rather than one that is shaped by how you feel. This separates a strong case from a weak one.
Considered insights on the law that affects you
That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered
Our founder’s podcast and articles unpack the legal issues we see most often in non-legal jargon.
McKenzie Friend in Leicester, Leicestershire and the Rest of England
Why An Alienation Case Needs More Than Legal Advice
A traditional route means instructing a solicitor, who then instructs a barrister on your behalf. Costs accumulate regardless of how long the case goes on. You may not even properly meet your barrister until the day of the hearing.
At McKenzie Picave, we work differently. Having supported over 3,000 cases in more than 20 years, we have helped families navigate disputes of this kind. Alienation cases are not only legally complex but also emotionally exhausting. We stay with you through both.
We listen to your instructions and involve you in every step, walking you through evidence, risks, opportunities, and options as they arise. This is a case you dictate, not one that happens to you.
Then we do the part a solicitor won’t. We tell you honestly what is worth pursuing in court and what will cost you. While you might not always agree, our goal never changes. We want the best outcome for you and your child. If a barrister is needed, our partner chambers cover England and Wales and they know how we work.
Your Child’s Relationship With You Is Worth Fighting For
Parental alienation cases move slowly and can feel extremely isolating. Whether you are just considering opening a case or are weeks into proceeding, McKenzie Picave is with you.
We’ll help you understand what Cafcass and the court are actually looking at and prepare you to walk into a hearing so that you know exactly what to expect.
Contact Us
Confidential, no-obligation consultation
For more information or to request a callback, please fill in the form below. A member of our team will respond shortly.
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
FAQs
What counts as evidence of alienating behaviour?
When gathering evidence for a parental alienation hearing, it is important to recognise that courts look for a pattern rather than a single incident. Examples of this include a child’s negative comments echoing adults’ language, blocked contact or an unexplained shift in attitude. At McKenzie Picave, we will help you document this consistently so it holds up in the course, rather than relying on how the situation feels.
Can I bring a McKenzie Friend to every hearing, or only some?
McKenzie Friends can support you at most family court hearings, offering quiet advice, help with note-taking and organising your papers. However, there are some hearings where courts enforce different rules; we will always confirm before the specific hearing.
Do I need a solicitor as well, or can McKenzie Picave replace one entirely?
Many parents who come to us run their case with McKenzie Picave alone. If a barrister is needed for a specific hearing, our partner chambers can step in. As they know how we work, the handover remains smooth rather than starting from scratch.
What will Cafcass ask my child, and can I prepare them for it?
Cafcass usually speak to your child as part of their welfare report. They will look at how they feel about time with each parent. It is important that you don’t coach a child on what to say; if it becomes apparent that you have, this will undermine your case. At McKenzie Picave, we can talk you through the process, so you don’t walk in unprepared.
Recent articles
Stay informed with the latest insights, updates, and guidance from the team at McKenzie Picave. Our recent articles cover topics across family court proceedings, legal support, mediation, and real-life issues affecting individuals and families today.
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