No parent wants to think about losing their relationship with their child, but after a divorce or custody battle, this can become a reality for some when your ex turns your child against you and swift corrective action is not taken.
Parental alienation occurs when one parent tries to undermine the other parent’s parental role and authority to the point of making the child not want to see or communicate with that parent.. Sometimes referred to as brainwashing, programming, or alienating, parental alienation is a serious matter that can lead to parental alienation syndrome (PAS), which is used to describe the child’s behavior as a response to such actions and brainwashing.
From the team at the Law Office of Blake W. Rush, here are five warning signs that parental alienation may be occurring:
1. Your ex is being secretive.
If your ex isn’t sharing information about your child, this is a sign of concern. For example, if they refuse to share school reports, medical information, successes and failures, likes and dislikes, and other important things about your child, you may, as a result, become less involved in their life.
2. Your communication is being interfered with.
With parental alienation, your ex may interfere with how you communicate with your child. They may attempt to monitor and insert themselves into all phone calls, text messages, and interactions you two have.
3. Your ex interferes with your plans to see your child.
Your ex may try to interrupt your time with your child. In some instances, your ex may plan special activities that are hard for a kid to resist at times you are meant to be with them, making it hard to compete with.
4. Your agreed-upon parenting plan or contract is not being followed.
Typically, legal contracts and personal agreements among co-parents are made to determine which parent will be responsible for the child for the day and how they will be raised. If you notice your ex isn’t abiding by your previous agreements or is being inflexible, parental alienation may be occurring.
5. You notice behavior changes in your child.
One of the most important signs of parental alienation will be seen with your child‘s behavior. Some examples of parental alienation syndrome include:
- Your child is unfairly and falsely criticizing you without any justification.
- Your child doesn’t admit where their criticisms are coming from.
- Your child is very negative, sad, angry, or spiteful toward you.
- Your child shows no signs of guilt or empathy when they are being mean and hurtful toward you.
- Your child’s hatred or distrust extends beyond you to other family members and friends.
Contact our office today for a consultation with our expert custody lawyer!
If you are experiencing any of the above circumstances affecting your relationship with your child and need to enforce or modify your existing custody rights, we can help. Here at the Law Office of Blake W. Rush, we represent clients in custody matters throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Give us a call at (903) 713-9800 or visit our website to contact us and learn more about how we can help you.