Generally, with some exceptions, a child/ren is best served by building a relationship with both of their parents following a divorce or separation. In order to foster a positive relationship with both parties, the law requires that each parent avoid damaging the connection their child/ren has with their former partner.
However, the breakdown of a marriage or romantic relationship can be contentious. In these cases, the skills of a Syracuse child alienation lawyer may help establish a plan that helps prevent one parent from influencing their children to think poorly of the other parent. Our child custody attorneys have helped many clients find remedies to this situation, and they may be able to assist you as well.
Child alienation occurs when one parent turns a child/ren against the other parent, often during or after a divorce or custody dispute. This behavior can harm their emotional development and severely damage the parent-child relationship. The Courts take allegations of alienation seriously, especially when it affects the child/ren’s well-being. Our attorneys support Syracuse parents dealing with child alienation, which can occur in different ways.
This occurs when a parent speaks poorly about the other parent in front of the child/ren. This can take the form of calling them names or blaming them for the breakup. Over time, this can influence the child/ren to adopt those negative views.
Limiting contact happens when one parent interferes with scheduled visitations, ignores Court Orders, or creates excuses to prevent the child/ren from seeing the other parent. This behavior erodes the child/ren’s trust in the other parent and weakens their bond.
A parent can create fear in their child/ren by making them feel guilty for enjoying time with the other parent or falsely suggesting that the other parent is unsafe. This manipulates their emotions and fosters dependency on the alienating parent.
Because every case is unique, a judge must evaluate the evidence and your child/ren’s best interest to ultimately determine if your rights have been violated. The law offers multiple remedies to alienation.
As a solution, the Court may mandate therapy, either for the parents, the child/ren, or the whole family. This approach aims to help everyone move past the conflicts that led to the alienation.
In more serious situations, the Court can modify the custody Orders or parenting plan to address the alienation. Modifications may include limiting the offending parent’s time with the child/ren or requiring supervised visits.
A judge might even find the alienating parent in contempt of Court, meaning they violated the terms of the Order. A contempt finding can carry a range of penalties, including fines and jail time.
In the most extreme cases, alienation may lead to criminal charges. Though rare, parents have been prosecuted for abuse or neglect when their behavior reaches that point. With the right intervention from a Syracuse attorney, you can protect your child/ren and keep the alienation from further escalating.
If you believe your co-parent is attempting to alienate your child/ren from you, you should seek knowledgeable help to pursue a legal remedy. Our firm fights for parents and ensures they receive fair treatment under the law.
Before you attempt to resolve these problems on your own, call us to consult with a Syracuse child alienation lawyer who may be able to help you avoid additional conflict.
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