The Toxic Consequences Of Parental Alienation
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?
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 extend 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.
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 one of our knowledgeable family law attorneys, contact us online or by telephone at 312-667-7706.