What Is Parental Alienation in a Custody Matter?

 Posted on June 16, 2023 in Child Custody / Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

When two parents end their relationship, they should not put the children in the middle of their conflict. One parent may show unjustified and relentless negativity towards the other parent when speaking to the children. The result is that the children’s relationship with the other parent may suffer. This is known as parental alienation. An Illinois family law attorney can help you address parental alienation once you learn that it is happening.

How Parental Alienation Harms the Children

Alienation is referred to as a form of child abuse, and with good reason. One parent is taking advantage of their power over the children to harm their relationship with the other parent. Alienation will cause a number of short and long-term impacts on the children, including:

• An inability to develop relationships
• Delinquent behavior and lack of impulse control
• A loss of self-esteem
• Disruptions in school and difficulty learning
• Increased chances of substance abuse as an adult
• Aggressive behavior with their peers

Signs of Parental Alienation

As a parent, it is essential that you spot the warning signs of parental alienation and act quickly to stop it. You may not always be able to end the behavior, and the situation will grow worse over time. Here are some signs that your children are being subjected to parental alienation:

• The child has an unceasing hatred for one parent, who cannot do anything right
• The child talks using the alienating parent’s “voice,” saying things that an adult would say
• The child feels no guilt about their actions toward the other parent
• The child does not want to speak to or visit the targeted parent

How Courts May Address Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is usually not dealt with through the contempt of court process unless there is a specific provision in the court order that prohibits a parent from disparaging the other to the children. However, the court may still do something about parental alienation because it is a very serious matter. A judge may even order a change in physical custody if one parent can prove that the other is engaging in alienation.

Contact a Naperville, IL Family Law Attorney Today

If you do not do something to stop parental alienation, it can harm your children and your relationship with them. The DuPage County family law attorneys at Calabrese Associates, P.C. can advise you and help you take legal action. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 630-393-3111.

Source:

https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/42152/parental_alienation_Lewis.pdf