Overcoming Parental Alienation in Illinois

 Posted on August 29, 2024 in Child Custody

Parental alienation is a painful issue that can affect families during or after divorce. When one parent turns their child against the other parent, it can have a profound impact for years and require resources like time and therapy to overcome. Illinois law recognizes parental alienation as a form of child abuse and seeks to help families address it. If suspicions are proven, it can lead to changes in the custody arrangement. If you are concerned that your child’s other parent is manipulating them to ruin your relationship, speak with a skilled DuPage County, IL family law attorney about your options.

How Does Parental Alienation Work?

One of the biggest concerns parents voice when considering divorce is how it will affect their children. Typical parents try to shield their children from the negative atmosphere that a divorce can create. Unfortunately, some parents, generally in particularly contentious divorces, try to make their child stop trusting or liking their other parent. Alienation can be the result of direct actions, for example hindering the other parent’s visitation or speaking negatively to the child about them. It can also happen through more subtle methods of manipulating the child’s opinion.

With time, the child might begin resenting or even fearing the other parent.

Legal Options for Dealing with Suspected Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is recognized by Illinois law as a form of child abuse. By denying the child a loving relationship with both parents, it is considered harmful to both the child and the alienated parent. If you suspect your child’s other parent is trying to alienate you, there are legal options you can pursue.

• You can file a motion with the court seeking a custody evaluation by a mental health professional. 
• The court might order counseling for the parents and/or child to repair the fractured relationship and reduce alienating behaviors. 
• The court can also modify custody arrangements or visitation schedules. 
• In severe cases, the court might appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's best interests and make recommendations to the court. 

Parental alienation can have severe consequences for your child’s well-being. It is important to be proactive as soon as you suspect that this might be happening. Consult with a lawyer who has experience dealing with this so they can advise you on how to begin building a case to bring to a judge.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Wheaton, IL Child Custody Attorney

Emotional distress, strained parent-child relationships, and long-term psychological impacts can all happen as a result of parental alienation. A knowledgeable DuPage County, IL child custody lawyer can advise you on legal measures as well as therapeutic counseling you might need to pursue to rebuild the fractured relationship and support your child's emotional needs. At Davi Law Group we are passionate about helping families overcome emotional and psychological challenges to reach the best outcomes. Call us at 630-657-5052 to schedule a free consultation.