Steps to Take if You Suspect Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is a serious accusation. When proven, findings of parental alienation can significantly impact custody arrangements and long-term parent-child relationships. Because the stakes are so high, courts will not act on suspicion alone. “He said, she said” arguments are not enough. There needs to be clear evidence to support such accusation.

Signs of Parental Alienation

Divorce can be very hard on children. Emotional swings, moodiness, or temporary frustration are common and do not automatically signal alienation. What raises concern is a pattern of behavior that appears coached, irrational, or disproportionate.

Signs might include the child giving one parent the silent treatment, avoiding eye contact, displaying aggression toward the parent, or parroting derogatory criticisms or remarks that they heard from the other parent. Parroting remarks and not being able to fully explain the remark’s meaning, or the context for saying it, is a solid indication that they are being influenced to hold negative views.

The child could also be exhibiting irrational anxiety or reluctance to spend time with the alienated parent. They may also unjustifiably reject the alienated parent’s friends and family, even if they previously had positive relationships with them.

One isolated incident is rarely enough. Courts look for consistent patterns that suggest influence rather than independent thought.

Steps to take

If you suspect parental alienation, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your child’s well-being. The courts recognize that a nurturing relationship with BOTH parents is what serves the child’s best interest (in most circumstances).

It is important to document incidents that lend evidence or support to the fact that you believe parental alienation is happening. This includes documenting communications between you and the other parent, such as emails, text messages, and voicemails. Document a log of visitation exchanges, and note any changes in your child’s demeanor. Particularly instances where their attitude seems to change over time, as they spend time with you.

Remember, you are not gathering evidence that your ex is rude, or trying to prove out that they are a bad person. Your aim is to express to the court that parental alienation is taking place. Your evidence gathering should be focused on items that show the other parent is wrongfully interfering with that relationship. An experienced family law attorney can help.

Contact Cardwell Steigerwald Young, LLP

Consulting with family law attorneys with extensive experience can be so impactful on your case. Your legal counsel can guide you through the legal complexities of the case, help you strategize the best course of action, and present your case to the court effectively. Contact the experienced San Francisco family law attorneys with Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP today to begin speaking with our legal team.