When co-parents have a hostile relationship or a parent is aggrieved, one parent sometimes manipulates the child’s feelings so that they turn against the other parent. This conduct can be devastating psychologically for the child, and have long-term impacts on the relationship between both parents and the child.
Contact a Toronto child alienation lawyer when you believe your co-parent is trying to turn your child against you. Our legal team can review your situation and propose legal and other solutions to resolve the issue in your child’s best interests.
When a child is accustomed to living with both parents, it is difficult for them to adjust when their parents live apart. Acting out against one or both parents is not unusual.
However, sometimes one parent behaves in a way that makes the other parent the focus of a child’s resentment and hostility. Some examples of this behavior include:
These are common examples of alienating behavior, but any intentional conduct with the purpose of negatively impacting a child’s feelings toward the other parent could be considered alienation.
Parents must act in their children’s best interests. Canada’s Divorce Act Section s.16(3)(c) lists supporting and nurturing the children’s relationship with the co-parent as an indicator of a child’s best interests. When a parent is violating that obligation, it is critical for the other parent to intervene, but drastic self-help is inadvisable. Instead, Toronto parents should contact an experienced family lawyer for advice on how to proceed with child alienation.
Children respond differently to attempts at parental alienation. Some children become isolated from both parents, but more commonly, a child will display marked hostility toward the targeted parent. They may refuse to spend time with the targeted parent and behave aggressively toward the parent when they are together.
A parent who suspects that they are the target of alienation should try hard not to blame the child for their hurtful behavior. Withdrawing to avoid the conflict is typically ineffective and may be counterproductive. Instead, consistently exercising access rights and making an effort to enjoy time together despite the child’s behavior often has the best long-term results.
Parents who are the target of alienation often benefit from counseling to help them devise appropriate strategies to preserve their relationship with the child. It is also important to seek support from a lawyer in Toronto with experience handling cases of parental alienation.
Negotiation is the best way to solve most family law disputes, but it is rarely effective in a case of parental alienation. The parent engaging in the alienating conduct is typically not in a mental state to respond to rational inquiries.
Instead, the targeted parent should amass evidence of the alienating behavior. Copies of texts, emails, and voicemail messages from the other parent may support a targeted parent’s position. In addition, the targeted parent should compile notes of visits and communication with the child that indicate that alienation has occurred or is occurring.
A Toronto lawyer can ask the court to order a psychological evaluation of the child to determine whether alienation is an issue and direct counseling for the child and parents if so. If the therapist’s report finds evidence of alienation, a court may alter the custody arrangements, reduce the alienating parent’s spousal support, and take other steps to repair the damage and reduce the possibility of continued harm to the child.
Parental attempts to alienate a child can be difficult to recognize with certainty. However, when you notice a marked change in your child’s behavior toward you or if they express reluctance to be in your company, it is advisable to assess whether alienation might be occurring.
If you believe your co-parent is trying to turn your child against you, contact a Toronto child alienation lawyer immediately. Our lawyers can help you take effective steps to protect your relationship with your child. We are available around the clock, so get in touch now to get started.
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