Tips for Fighting Parental Alienation
Divorce is a complicated issue, but it becomes even more difficult when children are involved.
In the perfect scenario, children would maintain healthy relationships with both parents, making the separation and adjustment to living apart as seamless as possible. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
There are times when a child refuses to see one of their parents. They may refuse to spend time with them or speak to them. The child may also act out when the parent tries to fix the relationship. This is referred to as “parental alienation.”
Parental alienation occurs when a child whose parents are going through a separation or divorce refuses to see one of their parents. This term is only used in instances where there seems to be no cause for the child’s hostility. This term is not applicable when the child has a good reason for not wanting to see one of their parents.
In these cases, there is usually a parent either helping their child avoid their other parent or preventing them from seeing the other parent altogether.
Legal Remedies for Parental Alienation
As a parent experiencing alienation, it can be difficult to find a way to repair your relationship with your child and move forward. It can also be difficult for the child and can even qualify as emotional abuse.
Fortunately, courts recognize that this is a growing issue, so there are legal remedies in place. You first have to prove that parental alienation is taking place.
With the help of an attorney, it is possible to prove that you’re suffering from parental alienation.
There are a few legal remedies available:
- Contempt: a court may find that the parent withholding the child is in contempt of court, which will lead to the court imposing sanctions.
- Custody modification: a court may modify child custody orders if the court finds that the alienation is causing harm to the child.
- Reunification therapy: a court may also order reunification therapy. A licensed therapist will work with the family to reunite the alienated parent and child.
An experienced child custody attorney can help you seek legal remedies for the effects of parental alienation.
Tips for Fighting Against Parental Alienation
The best thing you can do is follow these tips to demonstrate that you are doing everything in your power to repair the parent-child relationship.
Keep Records
It is extremely important that you keep records of everything. You should include the specific dates that you were prevented from seeing your child and the circumstances surrounding the event.
This can help you prove to the court that you were trying to see your child but were stopped from doing so.
Reach Out to the Child in Writing
You also want to make sure that you are communicating with your child in writing so that you can bring that evidence to court.
By reaching out to keep in contact with your child, requesting to see them, and doing everything you can to repair your relationship with them, you are proving that you are taking active steps to resolve the issue.
By sending emails, text messages, and other written forms of communication, you can avoid conflicts in court where your ex-spouse claims that you never reached out or did not make yourself available to your child.
Seek Counseling
By seeking counseling for yourself and inviting your ex-spouse to join you, you can demonstrate to the court that you are trying to resolve the issue.
This can also be beneficial to your own mental health and well-being.
Stay Persistent
As difficult as it may be, you cannot give up your fight to repair your relationship with your child. By demonstrating that you tried your best to fix the problem, you will signal to the court that you need their help.
Seek Help from a Beverly Hills Child Custody Lawyer If You’re Experiencing Parental Alienation
If you are experiencing parental alienation as a result of your separation or divorce in Beverly Hills, CA, reach out to an experienced child custody attorney.
Contact a Beverly Hills Child Custody Lawyer Today
If you’re going through a divorce, you need a strong team on your side fighting for your rights. Call Berenji & Associates today to know how we can assist you.
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Beverly Hills CA 90212
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