Divorce and custody disputes are never easy, but when one parent intentionally tries to damage a child’s relationship with the other parent, the situation becomes even more painful. This behavior—known as parental alienation—can have serious emotional effects on children and major consequences in custody proceedings. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we work with parents to protect their rights and safeguard their bond with their children.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child to reject, fear, or resist the other parent without valid justification. This can range from subtle comments that undermine the other parent to outright false accusations of neglect or abuse.
Common examples include:
- Speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child
- Preventing phone calls, visits, or communication
- Encouraging the child to “choose sides”
- Sharing inappropriate details about the divorce or custody battle
- Making the child feel guilty for enjoying time with the other parent
Over time, this can create emotional harm for the child and cause lasting damage to parent-child relationships.
How Courts View Parental Alienation in California
California family courts are guided by the best interests of the child standard. Judges recognize that children generally benefit from having a healthy relationship with both parents. When there is evidence of parental alienation, the court may view it as harmful behavior that works against the child’s well-being.
Depending on the severity, parental alienation may influence:
- Custody arrangements
- Visitation schedules
- Decisions about which parent has primary decision-making authority
In extreme cases, courts may even modify custody orders to limit or remove the alienating parent’s influence.
Proving Parental Alienation
One of the biggest challenges in these cases is proving that alienation is occurring. Unlike physical abuse, it is often subtle and happens behind closed doors. Evidence may include:
- Documented communication (texts, emails, or voicemails) showing interference
- Testimony from therapists, teachers, or other adults in the child’s life
- Patterns of canceled visits or unexplained resistance from the child
- Records of one parent consistently violating custody orders
An experienced family law attorney can help gather and present evidence effectively.
Addressing Parental Alienation Through the Courts
If parental alienation is suspected, courts may take several actions, including:
- Ordering family therapy or reunification counseling
- Enforcing existing visitation orders with stricter oversight
- Penalizing the alienating parent for violating court orders
- Modifying custody arrangements to protect the child’s relationship with the targeted parent
The goal is not punishment, but restoration—ensuring children maintain strong, healthy bonds with both parents.
Protecting Your Relationship with Your Child
Parental alienation is not only damaging to custody rights—it is damaging to children. Kids placed in the middle of parental conflict often struggle with guilt, confusion, and long-term trust issues. Acting quickly can prevent lasting harm.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we help parents take decisive legal action when alienation threatens their relationship with their child. From documenting evidence to representing you in court, we work to preserve family connections and ensure custody decisions reflect your child’s best interests.
Take the Next Step
If you believe your co-parent is attempting to alienate your child from you, it’s critical to act now. The longer the behavior continues, the harder it can be to repair the relationship.
Call 949-585-9055 today to schedule a confidential consultation with Law Office of Michael L. Fell. We’ll help you understand your options and take steps to protect your rights as a parent.