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Mother loses daughters after court hears 'harmful pseudo-science' evidence

A mother, identified as Sarah, lost custody of her two daughters in 2020 after a family court heard evidence from an unregulated psychologist, Melanie Gill. Official guidance in England and Wales now describes the theory of parental alienation, which was used in the case, as a "harmful pseudo-science."

  • Sarah's daughters were removed from her care in July 2020 based on evidence from an unregulated psychologist.
  • The psychologist, Melanie Gill, claimed Sarah was a "narcissist" and an immediate danger to herself and her children.
  • Official guidance in England and Wales now states that the theory of parental alienation is a "harmful pseudo-science."

Sarah's two daughters were removed from her care in July 2020 after a family court hearing. The decision was based on evidence presented by Melanie Gill, an unregulated psychologist, who claimed Sarah was a "narcissist" and an immediate danger to her children and herself.

Sarah's solicitor informed her that both girls could be removed with immediate effect. The court hearing, which Sarah attended via video call, lasted 50 minutes. The judge ordered that her daughters would live with their father.

Sarah has not seen her daughters unsupervised since, except for two brief occasions, and most contact has been fortnightly in public places. She states she has been "stripped of all parental responsibility."

Fighting the case has cost Sarah £85,000 in legal bills, and her share of supervised contact costs has reached £13,000, bringing her close to bankruptcy. Official guidance in England and Wales now describes the theory of parental alienation, which was used in her case, as a "harmful pseudo-science."

Why this matters: The case highlights concerns about the use of unregulated experts and theories now deemed "harmful pseudo-science" in family court decisions, with significant consequences for parents and children.

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