As a child custody attorney, I see it all the time—one parent, either to get revenge or to influence a custody battle, tries to turn the child against the other parent.
Not only is doing this wrong morally and ethically, it can actually end up influencing how an ongoing custody case unfolds.
Here is what you should know about parental alienation and how it can change the outcome of a custody battle.
What Is Parental Alienation and What Are the Signs?
The birth of a child is a joyous occasion. When a child is born he or she forms a bond with each parent. Parental alienation takes root long before divorce happens. In fact, the alienating parent’s relationship with the child is often based on an emotional need being met by the child. When divorce occurs, the alienator uses the bond that he or she has formed with the child in a manipulative fashion.
If you notice any of these signs in your child, your ex-spouse may be alienating them against you:
- Your child does not want to spend time with you
- Your child is angry with you but they can’t express why
- Your child denies ever having loved you
- Your child uses language that mimics your ex-spouse without understanding it
There are a few ways that parental alienation takes effect. The alienating parent may make your child feel like they are unsafe when in your care, that you don’t care about them, that you have replaced them with a new family, or that you don’t love them.
How Parental Alienation Can Influence a Custody Battle
In the course of a child custody case, parental alienation is a factor that the courts consider when deciding the best interest of a child. Each side may present evidence of parental alienation. If the court determines that one parent is manipulating the child to pit them against the other parent, they court typically does not deem it in the best interest of the child to remain in the care of the alienating parent.
How do you demonstrate that your ex-spouse is manipulating your child? You can present witnesses who can testify how your child’s relationship with you has changed, as well as expert witnesses like psychologists who can give their interpretation. Text messages or other electronic communication between your child and your ex-spouse could shed light on the situation as well.
If you suspect that your child is the victim of parental alienation, you should first consider taking them to see a therapist. After making that decision, it’s time to get in touch with your attorney.
Need a Child Custody Attorney? Contact Me Today
Please contact me today if you need an expert opinion on your child custody case. From the time we start working together, I will represent you fiercely to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.