Parental Alienation
Timesharing cases can be challenging and emotional for everyone involved. The situation can get even more difficult and emotional if parental alienation is involved. Often, allegations of parental alienation occur in high-conflict timesharing cases. Parental alienation can play a huge role in timesharing disputes, and it is vital that parents understand the legal consequences of parental alienation. In this article, we discuss parental alienation and the potential legal consequences of parental alienation in Florida.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation is a strategy employed by one parent whereby they intentionally take affirmative action to try and influence a child and turn their emotions against their other parent. Parental alienation can come in many forms, including the following;
- Speaking negatively about the other parent
- Interfering with communication between the child and the targeted parent
- Making false allegations, such as allegations of neglect or abuse
- Portraying the other parent as unloving and uncaring
- Isolating the child from extended family members or support networks associated with the other parent
Signs That Your Child Is Being Alienated
Recognizing the signs of parental alienation is vital for addressing the issue and protecting your child’s well-being. The following are some of the signs that your child may be experiencing parental alienation;
- Your child repeats negative statements about you that seem the same as statements you get from the other parent
- Your child displays sudden unexplained rejection or hostility towards you
- Your child only listens to the other parent
- Your child refuses to obey you
- Your child points out that the other parent is better than you
- Your child consistently refuses to communicate with or visit you
- Your child demonstrates a lack of concern or empathy for your feelings
Parental alienation is a form of emotional child abuse. This form of abuse can have a devastating impact on a child’s life. According to research, the following are some potential effects of parental alienation on children;
- Loss of self-respect
- Impaired ability to establish and maintain relationships
- Lowered self-image
- Educational problems
- Feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression
Legal Consequences of Parental Alienation
In Florida, courts encourage parents to collaborate and create and implement a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule that promotes a good relationship between a child and their parents. If a parent establishes that the other parent is trying to alienate them from their child, the court will consider this when making timesharing decisions. The following are some of the steps the court may take if it finds that one parent is engaging in parental alienation;
- Providing the targeted parent with more time with the child
- Ordering the alienating parent to attend therapy or counseling
- Ordering supervised visitation for the “guilty” parent
- Imposing financial penalties against the alienating parent
- Holding the alienating parent in contempt of court if they violate court orders or directives related to parental alienation
- Granting sole parental responsibility to the targeted parent
Courts tend to treat the non-offending parents more favorably since every court decision regarding timesharing must be in the child’s best interests.
Contact a Tampa Family Law Attorney
If you believe your child’s other parent is engaging in parental alienation, it is vital that you consult an experienced family law attorney. Our Tampa family attorney at the Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A., is ready to help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/42152/parental_alienation_Lewis.pdf
