Parental alienation is a set of strategies that a parent uses to foster a child’s rejection of the other parent. Parental alienation syndrome develops in children who come to hate, fear, and reject the targeted parent as someone unworthy of having a relationship with them. The heated emotions and resentment for the other party are unfortunately common in divorces. The children are caught in the crossfire of this divorce case. And they may start acting negatively to the other parent. This is known as parental alienation.
Common Signs of Parental Alienation
Fostering parental alienation in a divorce case is illegal, and if courts find out about it, they will often intervene quickly to try to stop it from getting worse. Not only can parental alienation lead to strained relationships between you and your children, but it is also an abusive practice. Here are a few signs that your former spouse may be engaging in parental alienation…
- Your Former Spouse Speaks Badly of You in Front of Your Children – Your former spouse may make certain comments that incite anger towards you in front of your children.
- Your Former Spouse Uses Negative Body Language – If you and your former spouse are in the same room, your spouse may use body language to communicate his or her dislike towards you in front of your children. Crossed arms, rolling eyes, shaking heads, and angry faces are all forms of negative body language that could send a negative message about you to your children.
- Your Children Feel Guilty After Spending Time with You – A parent who is engaging in parental alienation does not want his or her children to enjoy spending time with the other parent. If your children refrain from saying they had fun with you or liked being with you, your spouse may be making them feel guilty about having an attachment to you in private.
- Your Former Spouse Asks Your Children to Choose One Parent – Your children cannot choose between two parents, but your spouse may ask them to make that decision. Your children may experience considerable distress as a result, and experience resentment towards you if your spouse convinces them to choose him or her.
What To Look For In Your Child(ren)…
The following are a few signs your child may exhibit if you are a target of parent alienation. There are tell-tale clues that a parent can give which tip-off that they may be attempting to target their ex to have removed from their child’s life. If you see an of these signs you should bring it up to your attorney.
- Your ex scheduling appointments or activities during your visitation time
- Your ex letting the children decide about visits
- Your ex putting the children in the middle of your fights
- Your ex voicing concerns for the children’s safety when in your care
- Your ex does not want the children to express a positive experience when they are with you
Parental alienation is an unfortunate reality for many divorced parents, but it does not have to be. If you believe your former spouse is alienating you from your children, tell your attorney. He will intervene as soon as possible. This can do serious psychological damage to children. You need to quickly make sure your children do not experience mental issues from all this alienation. Your rights and the children’s health need to be protected throughout the divorce process.
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About Helmer Somers LawHelmer Somers Law helps individuals and businesses navigate the complex system of rules that accompany all legal situations. We are licensed to practice in both Kentucky and Ohio and offers flexible, affordable payment terms for our services. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and become your lawyer for life! It’s a fact of life in the modern world. There comes a time for virtually every adult American when the services of a competent, dedicated lawyer are required. Circumstances such as divorce, bankruptcy, estate planning or an income tax audit demand that your rights be protected, and your long-term interests advocated for with diligence and perseverance. When you call Helmer & Somers Law, you can rest assured that they will be.