Parental Alienation

Parental Alienation and Parental Rights

Signs of Parental Alienation

Parental alienation occurs when one parent belittles the other, or acts in ways that instill negative thoughts and feelings about the second parent in the mind of the child.  The intent of the first parent is to alienate the child from his or her other parent.

Parental alienation can cause long-lasting psychological harm to children, as well as cause severe problems between children and target parents.  Alienation tactics play on or exacerbate fear and other high-impact emotions.  It can also influence a child’s affections for and behavior toward the target parent.  Sometimes, suing for Enforcement of Court Orders involving Possession and Access can help mitigate these situations.

Parental alienation can occur on a number of different levels and through a number of different strategies instigated against the target parent.  Some behaviors of the perpetrating parent may include:

• interfering with the target parent’s access rights
• belittling the target parent
• divulging details to the child about the target parent’s shortcomings or mistakes
• creating rumors about the target parent
• blaming the target parent for problems the child encounters in everyday life
• making false accusations against the target parent
• gathering information about the target parent through the child

Young children are impressionable, and even older children can be influenced in ways that harm their relationship with the target parent.

Parents who are victims of parental alienation can protect their rights with the help of an experienced family attorney.  In court, parents who are victims of parental alienation can seek modifications of court orders involving child custody by presenting evidence of the malicious parent’s actions.

A Knowledgeable Dallas Family Attorney Can Protect Parental Rights

Separated and divorced parents have the right to a happy and stable relationship with their child, free from the influence of a malicious parent.  Parents should also expect that agreed-upon child custody and visitation rights are respected and followed, and that they be included in major decisions about the child.   Parents should have access to information about the child’s welfare in all aspects of the child’s life.  Child Support may also be an influential factor.  If a malicious parent is interfering with these rights, it is advisable to consult with an experienced Dallas family law attorney.