Divorce is a difficult and often contentious process, particularly when children are involved. Unfortunately, some parents may use their children as a tool to hurt their former spouse, resulting in parental alienation. Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse that damages the child’s relationship with a targeted parent. It is essential for parents and professionals involved in the case to identify and address parental alienation promptly to preserve and strengthen the child’s relationship with both parents. This article will provide guidance on how to deal with parental alienation in Maryland divorce cases.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent uses various tactics to distance or estrange their child from the other parent. The tactics can range from alienating statements made directly to the child, withholding visitation or communication, and disparaging the targeted parent in the child’s presence. The alienating parent may manipulate the child’s perception of the targeted parent, create a false narrative, and treat the targeted parent as if they have little to no value in the child’s life. Over time, the child may develop negative feelings towards the targeted parent, which can persist into adulthood.
Recognizing Parental Alienation
Parental alienation can be challenging to recognize, as it often takes place gradually and subtly. However, some common signs that a child may be experiencing parental alienation include:
- The child avoids or withdraws from the targeted parent.
- The child expresses fear or anger towards the targeted parent.
- The child makes negative or false statements about the targeted parent.
- The child lacks reasons or logic when explaining negative feelings towards the targeted parent.
Parents and professionals working in Maryland divorce cases should keep an eye out for these signs and take appropriate steps to address them.
Addressing Parental Alienation
Suppose a parent suspects that their child is experiencing parental alienation. In that case, it is essential to take action immediately to protect the child and preserve the child’s relationship with the targeted parent. Listed below are some steps a parent can take to address parental alienation:
Seek Legal Intervention
If the alienating behavior persists, the targeted parent should consider seeking legal intervention. A family law attorney knowledgeable about parental alienation cases in Maryland should be contacted to discuss the best course of action to help preserve the relationship with the child and hold the alienating parent accountable.
Seek a Mental Health Evaluation
A mental health professional that specializes in parental alienation evaluations can help assess the child’s behavior and the parent’s behavior that is causing the alienation. Depending on the findings, the professional may evaluate the child, parents, and family dynamics and recommend treatment, therapy, or other interventions to improve the situation.
Document the Alienation
The targeted parent should keep a detailed record of all the alienating behavior they have witnessed or experienced. This documentation can be used in court to demonstrate the alienation’s seriousness and the damage it has caused to the child and the relationship with the targeted parent.
Stay Persistent and Patient
Dealing with parental alienation can be a long and challenging process, and the targeted parent should be patient, persistent, and consistent in their efforts to preserve their relationship with their child. While it’s imperative to be assertive in protecting one’s rights, it’s also essential to listen to the child and avoid escalating the situation.
In conclusion, parental alienation can be a devastating and long-lasting effect of divorce, particularly when children are involved. Parents and professionals involved in Maryland divorce cases should be alert to the signs of parental alienation and take appropriate action to address it. Where possible, parents should communicate openly and honestly with one another to ensure that their child has a meaningful and loving relationship with both parents. If one parent is engaging in alienating behaviors, it’s essential to act promptly to protect the child and the parent-child relationship. Seeking legal intervention, a mental health evaluation, documenting the alienation, and remaining persistent and patient are all steps that can be taken to address parental alienation.