In England, when the family court decides who a child should live or spend time with following a divorce or separation, there is a presumption that the involvement of both parents in a child’s life will further a child’s welfare. This is known as the statutory presumption of parental involvement.
Writing for Family Law Journal, paralegal and former independent domestic violence advisor (“IDVA”) Lea Levine considered the potential damage the presumption of parental involvement can have in children proceedings that involve allegations of abuse (and specifically coercive and controlling behaviour) by one parent towards the other.