Custody Dispute Issue of Parental Alienation

Family Law Issues

There isn't a lot of concern outwardly expressed about the behavior of parental alienation, yet it is a very real and accurate description of a pervasive form of child abuse typically displayed by parents going through a divorce or custody battle.

According to Dr. Douglas Darnall, Ph.D. and author of Divorce Casualties: Protecting your Children from Parental Alienation,” the definition of this syndrome as something that occurs almost exclusively during the process of child custody disputes. The syndrome gets its name from the fact that the child who is the subject of the custody matter, is often brainwashed into behaving and speaking out in a disagreeable fashion toward the other parent, without provocation or justification.

In situations where there is obvious justification, neglect or abuse by the parent in question, then parental alienation does not exist and the situation would warrant an abuse investigation instead. However, in many child custody matters, one parent will launch a confusing and controlling campaign aimed at turning the child against the other parent so as to solidify them gaining exclusive or sole custody of the child.

The motive of the instigating parent has both conscious and unconscious roots, and the child may even have motives that are linked to the same instant gratification desires inherent in all children who are left without competent parental guidance. The process has disastrous effects on the child, and can often rope the uninvolved parent into the arena as well in an attempt to counter-act the damage being done by the instigating party.

It is important to remember that parental alienation is a form of child abuse and brainwashing, and without justification of actual child abuse from one party to another that would substantiate the alienation of a child from their biological parent, must be dealt with as soon as the behavior is suspected in the other parent or the minor child. If you suspect someone of parental alienation, make it your priority to discuss the situation with your divorce and custody attorney immediately.

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If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

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