Are You Worried About Parental Alienation?

If you are going through a divorce and there are minor children involved, we understand that this is an incredibly difficult time. This process can be even more emotionally fraught if the other parent works to actively isolate you from your children.

What Is Parental Alienation And How Can It Affect You?

Parental alienation syndrome is a term that was coined several decades ago by child psychiatrist Doctor Richard A. Gardner. This syndrome occurs when one parent works to turn the couple’s child or children against the other parent. They often do this by:

• Painting the other parent in a negative light
• Continually bashing the other parent in front of the child
• Working to actively deny the other parent their custody and visitation rights

Research shows that in clinical practice, the alienating parent is usually—but not always—the mother who turns the children against their father. However, the reverse also occurs, where a father turns the children against their mother. In many cases, it is the more wealthy parent who is able to afford legal challenges that most often does the alienating.

The Impact on Children

Researchers have found that parental alienation is detrimental to the child. They have identified this as a form of child maltreatment, noting that parental alienation undermines the basic principle of social justice for children—the right to know and be cared for by both parents.

Children caught in parental alienation often experience:

• Confusion and guilt
• Difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Long-term psychological effects
• Loss of relationship with one parent

How Can An Attorney Help?

An experienced family law attorney can help combat parental alienation before it starts. This includes helping you from the very beginning of your divorce to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the entire process. Even in a contested divorce, you have the right to a process that ensures all parental rights remain intact, including child custody and visitation issues.

If you suspect that your former spouse has been alienating your children and abusing child custody and visitation, you can work through the courts for a resolution.

Protecting Your Rights

If you are going through a divorce or are already separated, you may be worried about parental alienation. Understanding Florida family law and having experienced representation can help ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible. An attorney can help with all aspects of your divorce case and work to ensure that you are treated fairly. If you are already divorced but are experiencing issues with child custody or visitation, working through the family court system can help resolve the issue.