Co-parenting with an ex is not easy. Few parents are able to fully put their residual frustration aside and cooperate in a healthy way with their child’s other parent. High-conflict co-parenting problems like ongoing legal battles and constant arguments are not the only issues that parents may face as they try to raise their children after divorce or separation. Some conflicts are harder to recognize.
What is Parental Alienation?
Florida child custody, sometimes referred to as timesharing, can be substantially affected by parental alienation. When one parent influences or manipulates a child to turn against or reject the other parent. Alienating behavior can be subtle or obvious, and signs that a child may have been influenced by one parent in this way include:
- Sudden negative comments about one parent
- Irrational hostility or lashing out at one parent
- A refusal or disinterest in spending time with one parent
- New or extreme disobedience or misbehavior when with one parent
- Unexplained fear of one parent
Identifying parental alienation as early as possible is crucial for repairing the relationship between the child and the alienated parent and preventing further damage to the child’s wellbeing. Florida courts may assess the child’s previous behavior compared to their current behavior, as well as statements from teachers and other relevant parties. A psychological assessment may also be necessary to identify alienation and determine the impact of the behavior on the child.
Legal Remedies for Parental Alienation in Florida
Florida law prioritizes the best interests of the child in any custody or timesharing issue. If one parent is shown to be purposefully and unreasonably alienating the other parent, there are various steps a court may take in order to protect the child, including:
- Contempt of Court: if the alienating parent is not complying with an existing court order, they may be found in contempt and face fines or jail time.
- Mandated Counseling: judges can order parents to attend co-parenting or family therapy in an attempt to address the issues causing the alienation problem.
- Modified Parenting Plan: changing the physical custody or visitation orders may be necessary in extreme cases or when the child’s best interests are served by the change.
The Impact of Parental Alienation on Children
Oftentimes, when one parent alienates the other parent, the person being hurt the most is the child. Parental alienation causes mental health problems and emotional pain, as well as increasing the likelihood of addiction, substance use, and maladaptive coping. Post-traumatic stress disorder, body image issues, depression, trust issues, loneliness, guilt, and suicidal ideation have all been reported in significant percentages of people who experienced parental alienation as children.
Parental Alienation Attorney in Jacksonville, FL
Even when parents don’t realize the severe negative impact parental alienation has on their children, custody modifications and other legal action are often necessary to address this issue. If you are experiencing alienation from your child and need an experienced family law attorney on your side, contact The Pistorio Law Firm at 904-553-4889 to schedule a free consultation.
