The applicant father sought sole custody of the parties' two children, alleging severe parental alienation by the respondent mother following their separation.
The mother sought joint custody with primary residence and restricted access for the father.
The court found that the mother had engaged in a systematic and vindictive campaign of 'pure alienation' to destroy the children's relationship with their father, largely motivated by his new romantic relationship.
Despite finding that a reversal of custody would normally be warranted, the court ordered shared custody with a strict, progressive access schedule and mandatory therapy for the mother, citing the unprecedented uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court also resolved outstanding financial issues including child support arrears and equalization.
