Family Courts Are Failing Children: How Delays Lead to Alienation and Harm

The BBC’s recent article, “Family Courts Crisis: ‘Children are being left in limbo’”, exposes a harsh reality: the family court system is broken. Overwhelmed judges, years-long delays, and children being denied contact with loving parents—this isn't just a UK issue. It’s a global crisis that’s tearing families apart.

As the director of Erasing Family, a documentary exposing corruption in family courts and the devastating impact of parental alienation, I’ve seen firsthand how the system forces parents into impossible situations. They just want to see their children, yet legal obstacles and delays make reunification nearly impossible.

The System Is Overwhelmed—and Children Suffer

Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, openly admitted: “The system is so overwhelmed, it’s not fit for purpose.” Without enough judges, cases drag on for years, leaving children in limbo. Jo Edwards, chair of Resolution’s family law arbitration group, confirmed that many children “are being left with no contact with one parent for years.”

This isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. Family courts journalist Louise Tickle warns, “There’s a real risk of children being harmed by the delays.” When courts fail to act quickly, kids are subjected to prolonged instability and emotional distress.

Parental Alienation: A Consequence of Court Failures

Long court delays don’t just create stress; they enable parental alienation. One parent can manipulate a child against the other through harmful behaviors like:

• Speaking negatively about the other parent
• Blocking visits and communication
• Undermining the child’s bond with the other parent

These actions lead to what experts call “child resistance”—where a previously loving child suddenly refuses contact. The alienated parent is left powerless, while the alienating parent gains control. The longer the court delays intervention, the worse the damage becomes.

There Are Better Ways to Protect Children from Parental Alienation 

We cannot rely on family courts alone to fix this crisis. That’s why at REVIVE, we empower parents with practical strategies to navigate conflict, regain control, and avoid endless legal battles. Court should be a last resort—not the only option.

Real Parents, Real Wins

Our REVIVE members have achieved life-changing breakthroughs without waiting years for court rulings:

• One mom sent a simple, strategic text to her ex—who had been violating custody agreements for years. Within 15 minutes, he complied.
• One dad used our communication techniques and won a favorable court ruling—he dictated the terms of his own settlement.
• Two parents (a mom and a dad) resolved their cases right before trial—securing almost everything they wanted without enduring a lengthy legal fight.

Imagine the stress, time, and thousands of dollars saved by finding better solutions outside the courtroom.

Time for Change: What Can Be Done to Prevent Parental Alienation?

The BBC article raises important questions, and we must demand answers:

• How can family courts ensure children see both parents without endless delays?
• Should parents be required to learn communication strategies before escalating to court?
• Why aren’t courts integrating programs like REVIVE that help families heal instead of fight?

We need to stop treating family court as the default solution. Instead, we must equip parents with the tools to protect their children, maintain healthy relationships, and resolve conflicts without unnecessary legal battles.

Take Action—For the Children

The longer we wait, the more children suffer. It’s time to push for family court reform, invest in alternative resolution methods, and give parents the skills to co-parent effectively.

But change starts with YOU.

If you’re tired of waiting and want real solutions, join our REVIVE Roadmap Program today. Get expert guidance, proven strategies, and the support you need to reunite with your child.