Few things are more painful for a parent than being pushed out of their child’s life. In some custody disputes, one parent may – intentionally or unintentionally – undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent to the point where the child feels like they have to “pick a parent” in order to survive the daily emotional turmoil. This dynamic, when severe enough, is often referred to as parental alienation, and can cause serious emotional trauma in both the child and targeted parent.

Parental alienation can take many forms. It may involve repeated negative comments about the other parent, involving child in adult disagreements, manipulating the child, asking the child to pick sides, “venting” to the child, telling the child the other parent is dangerous, limiting communication, or interfering with parenting time. Over time, a child may start to question the reality of the previously strong parent-child bond simply to protect themselves from the emotional conflict caused by the alienating parent who disguises themself as a good or concerned parent.

Courts take parental alienation concerns very seriously. The law clearly establishes that a child has a right to a healthy, positive relationship with both parents. In cases where we have been able to prove a previously good relationship that deteriorated after parental conflict began, we have seen our local courts intervene in significant ways to protect our client’s relationship with their child.

Our firm understands the complexity and sensitivity of these cases. We work closely with parents to identify harmful patterns, gather compelling evidence, and present a fact-based case to the Court. This sometimes includes working closely with counselors, teachers, or other professionals who can assist the child in understanding that they can love both their parents. Our attorney Tiffany Fix recently litigated two parental alienation cases in which she was able to help affect positive changes for the families. Both cases involved close collaboration with the client, careful documentation, and hours of case preparation. However, in the end, she was able to prove our client’s cases and convince the courts to enter orders in the best interest of the child.

We have seen a case involving a very young child where, a year later, the relationship is as loving as before, with no indication that at one point the child had been manipulated against the parent. After the court intervened, the child was able to accept the duality of loving both parents and regained a normal, loving bond with our client. We have also unfortunately seen cases where older children realize they have been deprived of a relationship with a good parent and subsequently reject the alienating parent while trying to rebuild the relationship with the targeted parent. Parental alienation cases require time, patience, strength, and sensitivity for the parent to rebuild that relationship. We are experienced in helping provide both the litigation skills and the practical knowledge to best set these types of cases up for success.

Not every high-conflict case is parental alienation. However, some are, and our firm has the resources to help. If you believe your relationship with your child is being unfairly damaged, you do not have to face it alone. We are committed to protecting parental rights and, more importantly, the child’s right to a loving relationship with both parents.