Magnolia, TX Family Attorney

Experienced Lawyer Helping With Family Issues in Magnolia, TX

Parental alienation is a phenomenon that is, unfortunately, becoming an all-too-common issue in divorce, child custody, and family law cases. It is a dynamic involving one parent creating or encouraging a child's negative emotions and feelings towards the other parent in a persistent and harmful manner, leading the child to become estranged from the other parent. This can create a vicious cycle of negativity, where the more the parent alienates the child, the more the child may drag their heels and avoid having a close relationship with the other parent.

The family law attorneys of The Bihm Firm, PLLC work to raise awareness about this issue. We often recognize the signs of parental alienation, and we understand how it can impact child-parent bonds. We work to apply legal solutions to salvage or restore parent-child relationships that have been adversely affected by the wrongful actions of one parent. It is critical to acknowledge that if parental alienation is left unhandled, it may cause irreversible damage to the child's relationship with the targeted parent, and it can also cause a child to experience emotional issues that can impact their overall well-being. Therefore, seeking appropriate legal guidance in parental alienation cases is vital.

Our attorneys have seen the devastating effects of parental alienation in many cases. We understand the signs and symptoms of inappropriate conduct by parents, and we know what can be done to ensure that you, as the targeted parent, can maintain a healthy relationship with your child for many years to come. We have the skills and resources necessary to pursue a favorable outcome for your child and yourself.

Signs of Parental Alienation

When a parent engages in this type of conduct, it is a sign of a severe behavioral issue that can have long-lasting effects on children's mental health and well-being. Here are some signs that parental alienation may be happening:

• Negative comments - The alienating parent consistently complains about the other parent, blames them for a divorce, or makes other inappropriate remarks, often in the child's presence. The comments may criticize the other parent's skills, knowledge, and opinions.
• Limiting time - The alienating parent may try to prevent the other parent from having access to the child by arranging outings when the other parent is supposed to have visitation time or canceling visits without warning or explanation.
• Screening calls - The alienating parent may answer calls from the other parent during scheduled access times, listen to conversations, or prevent the child from speaking on the phone, making it challenging for a parent and child to communicate.
• Confiding details about legal matters - The alienating parent may share sensitive details about their divorce or child custody case with the child in hopes of influencing the child to take their side in legal disputes.
• Property damage - An alienating parent may intentionally destroy gifts, clothes, toys, or anything given by the other parent to the kids. This may result in fear and anxiety for children about receiving anything from the other parent.

Do Any Legal Remedies Exist to Address Parental Alienation?

If you suspect that parental alienation is occurring or has already occurred, legal remedies are available to help salvage the situation. Mediation can sometimes be a helpful tool to solve problems between parents. However, when an adult is willing to manipulate a child, it may be unlikely that mediation will play any meaningful role in changing their behavior and resolving the issue. A parent's willingness to manipulate a child may be evidence of deep-seated emotional problems, and they may be unwilling to engage in negotiations in good faith or make compromises. However, even though the chances of successfully resolving disputes may be low, the targeted parent may still want to attempt mediation sessions to see if the situation can be remedied through discussions with the help of a neutral third party.

In cases where parental alienation involves a parent trying to prevent the other parent from seeing the child for no good reason, thus potentially violating the child custody order, the targeted parent may want to consider filing a contempt petition with the court. Once the courts become involved, the manipulative parent may be forced to end their alienating behavior or face legal consequences, which could include restrictions on their own child custody rights.

Contact a Magnolia Family Law Attorney

At The Bihm Firm, PLLC, our experienced attorneys know and appreciate how difficult divorce can be for parents and children. We take pride in helping families get through this challenging period and setting them up for success after a divorce. When parental alienation occurs, everyone loses. Fortunately, there are remedies you can implement during this emotionally troubling time. To learn how we can help you address parental alienation or other child custody concerns, contact us at 936-788-6100 for a free consultation.