The Toxic Consequences Of Parental Alienation

Last updated on March 20, 2025

When emotions boil over in a child custody dispute, it can bring out the worst in otherwise good parents. One of the most toxic examples of this tendency to lash out is parental alienation.

The alienation of one parent by another can take many forms, from the subtle to the overt. A few examples include:

• A parent making denigrating comments about the other parent in front of the children
• A parent giving children the choice of spending time with the other parent, rather than simply complying with legal orders
• A parent instructing children to pry into the private life of the other parent

If your children exhibit unexplained signs of anger toward you or seem to experience guilt due to visiting you, they may be acting under the influence of parental alienation. In such cases, our attorneys act swiftly and decisively to stop the harm this behavior inflicts on children and on the child-parent bond.

In some cases, parents do not realize they are alienating their children from the other parent. Sadly, some parents level false accusations.

At Taege Law Offices in Chicago, we understand that these issues are very complex and provide the same level of zealous advocacy to alienated parents as we do the falsely accused.

FAQs About Parental Alienation

Your bond with your children is one of the most important relationships in your life. Following a divorce, many parents worry about their former spouse trying to come between that bond with their child. Below are some frequently asked questions about parental alienation.

• What Are Some Warning Signs Of Parental Alienation, And How Can A Parent Recognize Them?
• What Legal Steps Can A Parent Take To Address Parental Alienation?
• Is Parental Alienation Considered A Form Of Child Abuse?
• Why Do Children Need Both Their Parents Involved In Their Lives?
• Are Mothers More Likely To Engage In Parental Alienation Than Fathers?
• How Can Growing Up Without A Father Figure Harm Children?
• How Can Parental Alienation Syndrome Be Proven In Court?
• Are There Laws In Illinois That Specifically Address Parental Alienation?

What Are Some Warning Signs Of Parental Alienation, And How Can A Parent Recognize Them?

Childhood is full of ups and downs, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell when parental alienation occurs before it’s too late. Parental alienation goes beyond badmouthing the other parent and can involve deep psychological manipulation.

Some of the warning signs your children may show include:

• Animosity toward your extended family members
• Your child is suddenly angry with you
• Unfairly criticizes you
• Resentful of spending time with you
• Independent thinker phenomenon

The alienating parent will show inappropriate behaviors such as trying to interfere with visitation times, using the children to spy on you, making the children feel guilty for spending time with you and blaming you for the divorce in front of them. It can be hard to notice parental alienation because most of it happens outside your view. The maneuvers used are typically hidden and denied by the alienating parent. Recognizing some of the early signs can allow you to act sooner.

What Legal Steps Can A Parent Take To Address Parental Alienation?

While no concrete parental alienation laws exist in the United States, you can still take legal action against the alienating parent. Because there is no official law, you need a lot of evidence to take a case like this to trial. The court and an appointed psychiatrist will evaluate your case before taking action.

Is Parental Alienation Considered A Form Of Child Abuse?

Parental alienation, especially when severe, can be considered a form of emotional child abuse. Aside from being unethical and unfair, it is incredibly damaging to the child, and it can be challenging to repair those relationships.

Why Do Children Need Both Their Parents Involved In Their Lives?

Children’s odds of flourishing improve when both their parents are active participants in their lives. The benefits of this arrangement are many, and include:

• A lower risk of academic and legal problems
• A lower risk of financial insecurity
• Experiencing greater emotional health
• Feeling loved and secure
• Having better friendships and interpersonal relationships

Your children deserve all these things – and more. If you are a victim of parental alienation and are struggling to spend time with them, you owe it to their well-being to continue your fight for access.

Are Mothers More Likely To Engage In Parental Alienation Than Fathers?

While parents of both genders engage in parental alienation – as well as grandparents and other parental figures – mothers are more likely to be guilty of it than fathers. Fathers who experience parental alienation must continue to make efforts to maintain a relationship with their children, and should consider making written requests to see them. They should also document any instances of parental alienation in a journal. Most importantly, fathers who are victims of parental alienation should seek a family law attorney’s help in asserting their parental rights.

How Can Growing Up Without A Father Figure Harm Children?

Children without fathers can face starkly different life outcomes than children whose fathers are present. Growing up without a father puts children at risk for:

• Academic challenges, delinquency and dropping out of school
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Criminal activity
• Mental and physical health challenges
• Poverty

The consequences these issues can carry should convince anyone of how important it is for children to have relationships with their fathers. When parental alienation fractures this bond, fathers must take the legal initiative to protect it.

How Can Parental Alienation Syndrome Be Proven In Court?

The most effective way to prove parental alienation syndrome is by documenting it. This is the benefit of having a journal: if you notice any of the warning signs in your children, you can make a record of these there.

Comprehensive evidence may matter little, however, if your ex-spouse is waging a vicious campaign against you. By working with a lawyer, you can understand your options for handling this difficult situation, which could include deposing your ex-spouse or seeking the involvement of experts.

Are There Laws In Illinois That Specifically Address Parental Alienation?

Legally speaking, parental alienation is a form of child abuse in Illinois. Like with other forms of child abuse, state courts do not look kindly on parents who engage in it. Those who do may see their parenting time reduced.

The Right Law Firm For Sensitive Custody Matters

The attorneys at Taege Law Offices have a proven record of success handling complex child custody cases in Illinois. We are aggressive advocates for our clients in the courtroom and compassionate allies behind our law office doors.

To arrange a confidential legal consultation with a family law Chicago attorney, contact us online or by telephone at 312-667-7706.