Parental Alienation

Divorce and custody disputes are difficult for everyone involved, but the situation becomes significantly more painful when one parent attempts to damage the child’s relationship with the other. Parental alienation is a serious issue that goes beyond occasional venting or disagreements. It involves a targeted strategy to distance a child from a parent, often resulting in long-term emotional harm.

At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we understand the heavy toll this behavior takes on families. Our team works aggressively to develop effective strategies that protect your parental rights and prioritize the well-being of your child. We provide the direct, simple communication you need to understand your options and move forward toward an amicable resolution.

Recognizing the Signs of Alienating Behavior

Parental alienation often starts subtly but can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. It is critical to recognize the difference between a child acting out due to stress and a child being manipulated. The alienating parent may use various tactics to manipulate the child’s perception, making them feel they must choose sides.

Common behaviors of alienating parents include:

• Making derogatory or false statements about the other parent in front of the child
• Limiting contact by interfering with scheduled parenting time or phone calls
• Forbidding the child from discussing or keeping photos of the other parent
• Insisting that the other parent is dangerous or unloving
• Blaming the other parent for financial problems or the divorce itself
• Withdrawing affection if the child speaks positively about the targeted parent

These actions force the child into a loyalty conflict where they feel they must reject one parent to please the other. Documenting these behaviors is an essential first step in building a case to stop the alienation.

Indiana Law and the Best Interests of the Child

Indiana courts prioritize the “best interests of the child” in all custody determinations. State law recognizes that maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents is generally in a child’s best interest. Consequently, judges view alienating behaviors unfavorably. If a court finds that one parent is intentionally compromising the relationship between the child and the other parent, it can significantly impact custody arrangements.

While Indiana does not have a specific criminal statute for parental alienation, the courts have the authority to intervene. Judges may appoint a Guardian ad Litem or a custody evaluator to assess family dynamics. These professionals look for patterns of manipulation that might not be immediately obvious in a standard hearing.

The Lasting Emotional Impact on Children

The damage caused by parental alienation extends far beyond the courtroom. Mental health professionals often classify severe alienation as a form of emotional abuse. Children caught in the middle frequently suffer from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. They may struggle with identity issues or feel immense guilt for loving the targeted parent. Without intervention, this estrangement can last into adulthood, permanently altering the parent-child bond and affecting the child’s future relationships.

Legal Remedies and Solutions for Families

If you suspect parental alienation, you have legal avenues to address the problem. Courts can implement specific orders designed to repair the damaged relationship and prevent further manipulation.

Potential legal and therapeutic remedies include:

• Ordering reunification therapy to help rebuild trust between the child and the alienated parent
• Modifying custody orders to increase parenting time for the alienated parent
• Mandating parenting coordination to manage high-conflict communication
• Imposing sanctions or finding the alienating parent in contempt of court
• Restricting the alienating parent’s time if the behavior continues to harm the child

Protect Your Family Bond With Effective Legal Counsel

Addressing parental alienation requires a strategic approach that balances legal aggression with sensitivity to the child’s emotional state. Waiting to act can make the damage harder to reverse. The attorneys at Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP have the skills to handle these complex family law matters. We work with you to determine the strategy that best fits your needs and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today to take the first step toward protecting your relationship with your child.