During the pandemic, Alia’s* former partner began sending her “long-winded rants” via text message, asserting that COVID-19 was a hoax and that stay-at-home orders were unlawful. He took their children to anti-lockdown protests and shared what she later recognised as “sovereign citizen” or pseudolaw beliefs.
“He wouldn’t follow anything that the government was saying because ‘it’s not a genuine law, it’s illegal, it’s treason, and it’s all a scam that’s designed to try to bring in the new world order’,” Alia recounted.
At the time, they were involved in family court proceedings over child custody. Alia attempted to raise concerns about his behaviour with the court and other authorities but felt dismissed.
“It was brushed off as, ‘people have different beliefs and people have different political leanings’,” she said. “I felt like I couldn’t clearly get across that this was going so much deeper than a different political leaning. That this was potentially putting the kids at risk.”
The influence of sovereign citizen pseudolaw movements—where adherents use pseudo-legal arguments to challenge the legitimacy of laws and government authority—has been increasingly observed in family court disputes. Experts warn that such ideologies can complicate legal proceedings and pose risks to child welfare.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
What To Do Now
If you’re considering divorce or separation, family mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective way to resolve disputes without the stress and expense of going to court. By working with a professionally trained mediator, you can reach practical agreements that reflect the needs and interests of everyone involved — especially children.
At We Mediate, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support you through every stage of your separation. Our experienced and accredited mediators help you navigate complex issues such as financial arrangements, child contact schedules, co-parenting strategies, and communication challenges, all in a safe and confidential setting.
We believe every family deserves a fair, respectful, and accessible path through separation. Our focus is on creating balanced outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of all parties, and our commitment to affordability means we can support families across England and Wales, no matter their circumstances.
Before starting mediation, you will need to attend a MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a confidential one-to-one session with an accredited family mediator, where you’ll learn more about how mediation works and whether it’s suitable for your situation. We can usually arrange MIAMs quickly, often within 24–48 hours, with daytime and evening appointments available. Book your MIAM today to take the first step towards resolving matters in a more cooperative and less adversarial way.
If you’re ready to explore a more amicable approach to divorce or separation, we invite you to browse our website or contact us directly. Whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or are already in the midst of proceedings, our team is here to guide and support you at every stage. Schedule your consultation today and discover how mediation can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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