Helping Clients across Central Florida with Parental Alienation
The instinct of most parents is to minimize the emotional toll on their children in a divorce or paternity situation. Sometimes this effort is undermined when one parent attempts to alienate the child from the other parent. Parental alienation is intentionally and strategically distancing a child from the other parent. These acts of emotional manipulation distort a child’s view of the other parent, resulting in hostility or fear of the other parent and a breakdown in their relationship. Sadly, this is a common occurrence in contentious divorces and paternity cases.
Contact a Trusted Family Law Attorney
Florida law recognizes that children benefit from having both parents involved in their lives. Manipulating children to estrange them from a parent has severe developmental and emotional implications. At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, we advocate and fight for parents who are victimized or wrongly accused of parental alienation. If you suspect you are the victim of parental alienation, either during or after your divorce or paternity proceeding, prompt intervention is critical to protect your relationship with your child.
Signs of Parental Alienation include:
- A child is offered the choice of whether or not to visit a parent
- A parent is blocked from access to or communication with a child
- A significant and sudden deterioration in a child’s relationship with their parent
- Giving frivolous reasons why a child does not want to see a parent
- Excessively insulting and disrespectful behavior toward a parent
- Sharing information with a child, such as child support in arrears or the details of a marriage breakup
- Suggesting that a child is not safe with a parent
- Allegations of unfounded verbal, physical, and sexual abuse
- Comparing the other parent to a new partner
- Breaking court-ordered parenting plan guidelines
What to do if You are Victimized
At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, we have seen firsthand the damage and pain caused by parental alienation. If you suspect the other parent is undermining your relationship with your child, we recommend that you keep detailed records of actions that are deliberately meant to destroy your parent-child relationship. You can gather evidence such as phone records, e-mails, texts, witness testimony, and social media posts to corroborate suspicions. Maintain a log of every attempt you make to communicate or visit with your child. Keep evidence of visits, activities, and events you have attended with your child, including electronic contacts.
Judicial Remedies
The court system does not tolerate parental alienation because it is detrimental to the health and well-being of the child. Florida family court views cases of parental alienation through the lens of the child’s best interests. In some situations, it may be necessary to appoint a guardian ad litem or a qualified mental health professional who can evaluate the family and testify in court on behalf of the child.
Parental Alienation can Result in a Loss of Parental Rights
The court may order counseling for a parent alienating a child or for a child suffering negative psychological impacts. Evidence of parental alienation can support a parenting plan modification to help heal a relationship with a child. In extreme cases, criminal charges can be filed for egregious or repeated alienation, if a child is physically or emotionally harmed and blamed on the other parent.
We Take Immediate Action for Parental Alienation Clients
If you are unjustifiably alienated from your child following a divorce or paternity action, The Davies Law Firm, LLC, will fight for you and your child’s right to have a meaningful relationship. We will protect your rights if you are wrongly accused of alienating your child.
Attorney Kathleen Davies cares deeply about her clients. She is incredibly attentive and successful in negotiating or litigating family law disputes. She has had training in collaborative law and domestic violence counseling.
At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, we believe in being accessible to our clients during and after business hours whenever a concern arises. We are located in Cocoa, Florida, and represent clients in Brevard, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Call our law firm at 855-688-4713 to schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation.