When you and your spouse go through a divorce, it can be devastating for everyone involved, including your children. However, when the divorce takes a turn and becomes tedious and bitter, it can become downright overwhelming. Unfortunately, some parents choose to intentionally strain the relationship between their child and the other parent through parental alienation. If you have reason to believe you are a victim of this act, the following blog explores some of the most common signs that this is occurring and the importance of working with Long Island child custody lawyers to help you fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
What Is Parental Alienation, and What Are the Signs?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally manipulates a child into rejecting a relationship with the other parent. In the vast majority of instances, the only reason this occurs is because one parent is upset with the other and thus uses the child as a pawn to inflict more pain.
Parental alienation can look like a parent telling their child that “Mom doesn’t love you,” or “Dad blames you for the divorce,” as a means of driving a wedge between the parents. In extreme instances, a parent could convince a child to falsely report physical or sexual abuse by the other parent as a means of seeking revenge.
Common signs that parental alienation is occurring include the following:
- Continually repeating negative comments about the child’s other parent
- A child suddenly refusing to visit their other parent
- Repeating phrases or cues told to them by the other parent
- Being afraid of or hating the other parent
- Displays of increased anger and insecurity
- A slip in the child’s grades or attendance
- The other parent withholding important medical or academic information about the child
- Limiting contact with the other parent
What Should I Do if I Believe I’m Being Alienated?
When you are being alienated by your ex-spouse and, subsequently, your child, it can be incredibly upsetting. However, one of the most important things you can do is refrain from taking your anger or hurt out on your child. It is critical to understand that your child is just as much a victim in this matter as you are.
If you believe you are the victim of parental alienation, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney to help you explore your legal options. In many instances, the manipulation of the other parent will violate the custody order, which can result in substantial changes to the document. Additionally, you’ll discover that if the court finds that your ex is in violation of the custody order, they can modify the document to limit the time spent with the child, especially if the court agrees that the other parent has been manipulating them. However, the child may be reluctant to spend time in the custody of the target parent, so the court may also order family counseling to help each party heal.
As you can see, there are a considerable number of issues you’ll need to take into consideration when you believe you are being alienated by your child’s other parent. This matter can be incredibly difficult to navigate on your own, which is why working with an experienced attorney with the Sklavos Law Firm is in your best interest during these overwhelming times. When you need assistance, our firm is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.