Going through a divorce can be incredibly difficult for everyone involved, including children. However, when your child’s other parent makes matters worse by manipulating your child against you, this can be even more isolating. As such, if you believe you are a victim of parental alienation by your spouse, understanding your legal options and working with Long Island family lawyers to help you explore your legal options is critical. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent takes advantage of their child by manipulating and deceiving them about their other parent. This is done as a means of intentionally disrupting the relationship. Additionally, a parent looking to alienate the other parent from their child may speak negatively about the other, even going so far as to encourage the child to engage in hostile behavior and reward them for doing so.
Often, those who engage in parental alienation have a personality disorder, like Borderline Personality Disorder or Narcissistic Personality Disorder, that impacts behavior and actions. However, you should note that just because someone has a personality disorder does not mean they will engage in this behavior, and not everyone who perpetrates parental alienation has a disorder.
While being a victim of alienation can be incredibly frustrating and upsetting, it’s important to understand that your child is also a victim of manipulation. As such, you should continue to provide a safe and supportive environment, especially since they are likely inundated with negativity when in the care of their other parent.
Do I Have Any Legal Options?
If you have reason to believe your child’s other parent is intentionally alienating you, you can fight to prove this in court to have your custody arrangement modified. It’s important to understand that you must collect as much evidence as possible to help support your claims.
One of the most beneficial steps you can take is to limit all communication with your child’s other parent to text messages or emails. This ensures you have all communication in writing. Additionally, you should keep a detailed journal that tracks the changes in your child’s behavior. In conjunction with a journal, friends and family members may be able to testify to the difference in the child’s behavior.
You may also be able to utilize the assistance of expert witnesses who can examine your circumstances to determine if parental alienation is occurring. Additionally, your child’s therapist or a forensic psychiatrist may be able to examine your child’s behavior to determine if there are signs of parental alienation.
If you are a victim of alienation at the hands of your child’s other parent, taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your child is critical. At the Sklavos Law Firm, our team understands how difficult these matters can be. As such, we will do everything in our power to help you and your child receive the best possible outcome during these times. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you during this process.
