An ablation system and method are provided. The ablation system includes an ablation power generator configured to generate ablation energy. An active electrode is coupled to the ablation power generator and is configured to deliver the ablation energy to ablation tissue of interest during an ablation procedure. A return electrode arrangement (REA) is coupled to the ablation power generator and is configured to engage remote tissue, at a remote location from the ablation tissue of interest, to provide a return path during the ablation procedure. The REA transitions between an engaged and disengaged state with the remote tissue. An electrode-tissue engagement (ETE) circuit includes a resonant circuit coupled to the REA. The ETE circuit is configured to detect when the REA is in the engaged state or disengaged state.
