Warning Signs of Parental Alienation – Austin, TX Child Custody Cases

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Parental alienationParental alienation syndrome (PAS) is when one parent attempts to interfere with the visitation and relationship of the child with the other parent. This can be done either through intentional acts by the alienator or through unconscious actions by the parent. Regardless if the actions by the parent are intentional or unintentional, they can have a huge impact on the relationship of the child and the other parent. In severe cases, parental alienation can destroy the relationship of a parent and child.

Warning Signs of Parental Alienation

Dr. Douglas Darnell, Ph.D. has made the following list of warning symptoms to identify if a parent’s conduct is alienating. These include:

  • Letting the child choose whether to visit with the other parent when the child really has no choice about visitation because it’s set by a court order
  • Telling the child details about the marital relationship or reasons for the divorce
  • Denying that the child has property and may want to move possessions between homes
  • Denying the other parent access to school or medical records and schedules of activities
  • Blaming the other parent for money problems, splitting up the family, or having a girlfriend or boyfriend
  • Refusing to be flexible with the visitation schedule or over-scheduling the child with activities so the other parent isn’t given time to visit
  • Asking the child to choose one parent over the other
  • Encouraging the child’s anger toward the other parent
  • Suggesting changing the child’s name or having a stepparent adopt the child
  • The child is unable to give reasons, or can give only vague reasons, for their anger toward a parent
  • Using a child to spy or secretly gather information for the parent’s own use
  • Arranging temptations that interfere with the other parent’s visitation
  • Reacting with hurt or sadness to a child having a good time with the other parent
  • Asking the child about the other parent’s personal life
  • Physically or psychologically rescuing a child when there’s no threat to their safety
  • Making demands on the other parent that are contrary to court orders
  • Listening in on the child’s phone calls with the other parent
  • Breaking promises to the child

 

If you believe that any of these or other warning signs that parental alienation syndrome is occurring with your children in your Austin, TX child custody case you should contact an experienced family lawyer immediately.

Once the alienation reaches a certain point, it can be difficult to reverse and permanent damage may be done. It is important to take steps to protect your child and your relationship as soon as possible.

Source: http://family-law.lawyers.com/visitation-rights/parental-alienation-syndrome.html published in Lawyers.com.

 

 

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