When you’re going through a divorce, one of the most contentious matters for most couples is child custody. Unfortunately, you’ll find that while most people can come to terms with the court order in place, this is not always the case. In some instances, you may find that your ex-spouse does everything in their power to hurt you. One such tactic used is parental alienation. If you have reason to believe your ex is trying to strain your relationship with your child, this blog explores what you can do and how a Monroe, Louisiana family law attorney can assist you through these matters.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally manipulates their child to put immense strain on the relationship between the child and the other parent. This is often done as a means of getting “revenge” against the other parent for perceived wrongs against them. Ways parents perpetuate alienation against the other include:
- Lying to the child (such as claiming you hate them or do not want to spend time with them)
- Not letting your child spend time with you
- Saying negative or belittling things in front of or directly to your child
- Make it seem as though you are the reason for problems
Parental alienation can result in a child who resents you. This can be incredibly challenging for the parent, as they may be frustrated or hurt by their child’s decision. However, it’s critical to remember that it is not the fault of the child. They are just as much a victim, as this can cause severe emotional issues as a result.
What Should I Do if I’m a Victim?
If you are a victim of parental alienation by your ex-spouse, understanding the legal action you can take is critical. While parental alienation as a whole is not technically illegal, there are many behaviors that can count as a violation of your court order, which can impact the custody agreement in place.
For example, if your ex-spouse intentionally prevents you from seeing your child, this can constitute a custody agreement violation. As such, you may have grounds to petition the court for a modification.
Additionally, you may be able to petition the court if you believe that your child is being emotionally or mentally abused by the other party to further alienate you. As such, you may be able to show that being in the custody of the other parent is not in the best interest of your child, thus warranting a modification to the agreement in place.
If you are the victim of parental alienation at the hands of your ex-spouse, our dedicated team will do everything to assist you during these challenging times. At Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, we understand how complicated these matters can be and the devastation they can cause you and your family. That’s why our team is ready to assist you through these matters.
