What is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation is a deeply painful issue that can arise during or after a divorce or separation. It occurs when one parent, whether intentionally or not, influences a child to reject, fear, or distrust the other parent. Over time, this harmful dynamic can erode the bond between the child and the targeted parent. Family courts recognize how serious parental alienation can be, especially when it affects the well-being of a child and the rights of the parent who is being alienated. For parents going through a difficult custody battle, understanding how parental alienation works and what signs to look for is an important first step. Continue reading and contact the dedicated divorce lawyers here at Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella to learn more.

How Can You Recognize Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation can take many different forms, and the signs are not always easy to spot right away. In some cases, the child might begin to express unwarranted anger or hatred toward the targeted parent without any reasonable explanation. In other situations, a child may refuse to visit or even speak to the parent who is being alienated.

The alienating parent might encourage this behavior directly by making negative comments, or indirectly by creating situations that cast the other parent in a bad light. Unfortunately, what makes parental alienation so challenging is that it often happens gradually, making it harder for the alienated parent to realize what is going on until significant damage has already been done.

What Are Examples of Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation can manifest through a wide range of behaviors. Some examples of what this might look like include the following:

• The child is told false or exaggerated stories about the targeted parent’s behavior.
• The alienating parent encourages the child to spy on the other parent or report back private information.
• One parent limits or interferes with phone calls, video chats, or other forms of communication between the child and the other parent.
• The child is made to feel guilty or disloyal for expressing love or affection toward the targeted parent.
• The alienating parent consistently schedules conflicting activities during the other parent’s visitation time.
• The child begins using words or phrases to criticize the alienated parent that seem beyond their age or understanding.
• One parent blames the other for the divorce or separation, leading the child to take sides.
• The alienating parent shares inappropriate details about legal battles or financial matters in order to paint the other parent as irresponsible or harmful.

These behaviors, when repeated over time, can lead to significant emotional distress for both the child and the parent who is being alienated. They can also create long-term damage that affects family relationships for years to come.

What Can You Do If You Suspect It?

If you believe that your child is being alienated from you, it is important not to wait too long before taking action. Keeping detailed records of concerning behavior or communication patterns can be very helpful. You should also consider speaking with a New Jersey family law attorney who understands parental alienation and has experience addressing it in court. In some cases, family courts may order counseling, modify custody arrangements, or take other steps to protect the child’s best interests.

If you have additional questions or need an attorney who can work to preserve your bond with your child, simply contact our firm today.