Understanding Parental Alienation and Divorce

As you are likely aware, when a married couple decides to divorce, it is often a decision that is not easily reached. In many instances, a divorce is an incredibly traumatic event that can have adverse effects on the emotional wellbeing of those going through the divorce. When children are involved in a divorce case, it makes the proceedings more complex. Statistically, around 80 percent of complicated divorce cases involve a child or children who have been exposed to parental alienation. 

Parental alienation is an incredibly serious issue that can result in fines and even prison sentences. If you’re concerned that your divorce is displaying signs of parental alienation, it would be best to hire an Illinois divorce lawyer immediately. A lawyer can help guide you on the steps you should take going forward. To understand what parental alienation is, why it presents itself during divorces, and the common allegations, please continue reading. 

What Exactly Is Parental Alienation?

In essence, parental alienation is the act of manipulating a child or children to take a specific standpoint against another parent or guardian. In psychological terms, narcissistic parental alienation syndrome encompasses the manipulation that typically results in a child rejecting, lacking empathy towards, and projecting disdain towards another parent.  

Why Parental Alienation Exhibits During a Divorce

As you are likely aware, divorce cases are difficult at the best of times. Complicated divorces can result in several issues arising, one of which is commonly parental alienation. Parents who enact this practice put exhaustive effort towards turning one child against another parent through manipulation. When a divorce is decided upon, it’s common for one parent, in particular, to be angrier or hold more resentment towards the other parent. 

These emotions of anger and resentment lead to parents lashing out and attacking one another. However, these emotions also lead to an alienating parent using the children as an instrument during the divorce to achieve their goals and wants. 

In many instances, alienating parents will regularly speak negatively of the other spouse and often make false accusations about them. During the divorce, the parent alienating the other will try their best to damage the other spouse’s relationship with the children so that they can maintain control. 

What Are The Common Parental Alienation Allegations seen during a divorce?

It’s crucial to learn what the common parental alienation allegations are so that you can identify if your spouse is employing this method against you during your divorce case. Below we have briefly mentioned a few of the most common allegations seen by divorce lawyers in Illinois. You should note that allegations are not proof and thus cannot be used in court to determine if parental alienation is occurring. 

• One parent refuses contact between the child and the other parent.
• One parent slanders the other parent’s name and encourages a negative relationship between the child and the other parent. 
• A parent refuses to let a child visit the other parent.
• The child is hidden from the other parent so that no contact can be had between them.
• The child is not allowed to speak with the other parent via phone, video calling, or even email. 

Contact an Illinois Divorce Lawyer To Discuss How You Can Handle Parental Alienation During Your Case Proceedings

Parental alienation is a serious concern in complex divorce cases and can affect the case’s outcome if it is not addressed during the proceedings. Hiring an Illinois divorce lawyer will grant you the best chance at uncovering if parental alienation is occurring during your divorce. At the law practice of Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd., we strive to assist our customers to the best of our considerable abilities, no matter how complex the divorce issues are. If you would like to learn your options, get in touch with our practice today.