AWARENESS OF PARENTAL ALIENATION
Dawn S. • June 22, 2021
Parental Alienation does happen, sadly, to adults and children...
“Parental alienation describes the process in which a child becomes estranged from a parent.” This is the basic definition. It is actually a legal and psychological matter. It usually happens to children of divorce in which the non-custodial parent undermines the custodial parent where there is an intact (good) relationship. However, it can work either way. The parent the lives with could be trying to turn them against the other parent. The child is turned against their parent usually by manipulation. The child is usually told about issues that instill fear in them. The child the becomes a part of the parents’ conflict. Sadly, the victim may no longer want to spend time with the parent that they have been coerced to believe is not a good person and may want to stop contact. There are other indicators that the child is being manipulated. The child may present with anxiety, fear and upset regarding visits if the custodial parent is trying to alienate the child from the non-custodial parent. No matter which parent is the offender, the child will suffer. Legal action may need to take place in the best interest of the child. The child needs to be protected from their parents’ conflict.
If you are concerned that your former spouse is trying to alienate your child from you, there are steps you can take:
• Contact a CollaborativeFamily Lawyer, as soon as possible
• Keep talking with your child and don’t attack the other parent
• Find a Counsellor for your child
If you’re an adult, your parents may be alienating you but they may want contact with their grandchildren without your involvement. If your child is a minor, this may not be appropriate to you. You may need to seek out legal counsel especially if a former spouse and a custody agreement is involved. If possible, try to come up with a solution that is suitable for all parties involved. If you feel your parents could harm your children and they are trying to force you into an uncomfortable situation, legal counsel may be a necessary recourse.
What needs to be remembered in all Parental Alienation situations is that it can happen in any family unit and professionals such as lawyers and counsellors may need to be called upon. Some disputes need legal intervention. Don’t hesitate to contact a Family Law professional and most of all remember any action is in the best interest of the child.
All of life’s relationships need to be healthy! If you're looking for a collaborative approach to family law Grant Lee Law is happy to assist you.
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