Signs of Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is a real phenomenon that can have a terrible effect on the harmony of a family. Courts may also refer to the concept of “restrictive gate keeping” which encompasses the same behavior.

Most cases occur after a divorce or separation when one parent begins to alienate a child or children from the other parent. While parental alienation can manifest itself in various forms, it often has manipulation at its root.

If you feel your child is being manipulated by your ex in a way that is alienating them from you and harming your relationship, you may consider consulting with an experienced family law attorney.

It’s also important that you learn how to look for the warning signs of parental alienation so that you can identify it when it occurs.

Listed below are some of the most common signs of parental alienation:

• Promoting anger or disrespect. When one parent consistently promotes anger or disrespect towards the other parent to the child.
• Exclusionary requests. When the child begins requesting one parent not be present for important events like school plays or sporting events.
• Negative messaging. When one parent consistently communicates negative messages about the other parent to the child.
• Personal information. When one of the parents is requesting information from the child on the other parent’s personal life or sharing “grownup” information about the divorce that should be kept private.
• Finances. When one parent can’t refrain from blaming the other for financial struggles or other changes in lifestyle in front of child.
• False allegations. When one parent makes or suggests false and dangerous allegations of violence, sexual abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, or other illegal activities.
• Refusing to co-parent. When one parent refuses to be around the other parent or participate in any co-parenting responsibilities.
• One or the other. When one parent forces the child to choose which parent they want to visit or spend time with.

Raising a child after a divorce is no easy task. It requires patience, good communication and the ability to always put the child’s best interest first.

But when one parent is being manipulative and pitting the child against the other, it can have severe consequences that aren’t easily undone.

For this reason, we recommend that if you suspect your spouse of alienating your child from you, contact a family attorney for a consultation.

Contact New Mexico Finance and family law

Parental alienation can be incredibly frustrating and stressful to deal with, and it’s not always clear what you should do.

At New Mexico Financial and Family Law, we have over twenty-five years helping families resolve their differences after a divorce and move on with their lives.

If you’re going through a divorce, need help with a parenting plan, or suspect your spouse of fostering parental alienation, we have the resources and experience to help.

Give us a call today at (505) 503-1637 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Divorce