How To Deal with Parental Alienation in Illinois Custody Cases

 Posted on October 24, 2024 in Child Custody

Parental alienation is a painful and complicated issue that can arise during custody disputes when one parent intentionally harms the child’s relationship with the other parent. It can involve bad-mouthing, blaming, or even preventing communication between the child and the other parent. The alienating parent’s goal is typically to damage the relationship between the child and the targeted parent in order to influence custody arrangements. If you suspect parental alienation is happening with your child, an Illinois family law attorney can guide you through the legal process while protecting your rights.

What Are the Signs of Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation can be subtle or overt, but it can seriously affect a child’s emotional and mental health. It is important to watch for common warning signs, including:

• The child expressing unjustified anger or fear toward one parent

• The child refusing to spend time with or contact the alienated parent

• One parent sabotaging the other’s authority or speaking negatively about them in front of the child

• The child repeating one parent’s accusations without personal experience to support the claims

How Can You Prove Parental Alienation in Court?

Proving parental alienation can be challenging because it often involves psychological manipulation, which leaves no physical evidence. However, taking certain steps can help build a case:

• Document communication: Keep records of all communication with the other parent and your child, including emails, texts, and missed visitations.

• Witness testimony: Friends, teachers, or family members who have seen the behavior can provide valuable testimony.

• Expert evaluations: A psychologist or therapist may be able to assess your child’s behavior and offer professional insight.

What Legal Options Are Available for Addressing Parental Alienation in Illinois?

If the court finds evidence of parental alienation, various steps can be taken to correct the issue and protect the child’s best interests. These actions may include:

• Modifying custody or visitation orders: The court may reduce the time the alienating parent spends with the child or even grant full custody to the alienated parent.

• Counseling or therapy: The court may order counseling for the child, the alienating parent, or both parents to help repair the damaged relationship.

• Enforcement of visitation rights: In Illinois, the court has the authority to enforce visitation orders if a parent is found to be obstructing the other parent's visitation rights and may impose penalties.

Can Parental Alienation Be Prevented?

While you cannot always control the actions of the other parent, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of parental alienation:

• Keep communication open with your child and maintain a consistent presence in their life.

• Avoid responding to alienation tactics with anger or retaliation, as this can worsen the situation.

• Stay involved in your child’s activities, schooling, and social life to strengthen your bond with them.

• Seek legal assistance early if you suspect alienation is happening.

Contact a Kane County Child Custody Attorney for Help

When dealing with parental alienation, it is essential to act quickly to protect your relationship with your child. These actions can have long-lasting effects, but legal remedies are available. A St. Charles, IL child custody lawyer at Goostree Law Group can help you develop a strategy to address parental alienation and protect your child’s best interests. Call 630-584-4800 today for a free consultation.