{"id":431,"date":"2017-12-06T05:00:35","date_gmt":"2017-12-06T13:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arwanilawfirm.com\/?p=431"},"modified":"2017-12-04T06:20:34","modified_gmt":"2017-12-04T14:20:34","slug":"separating-fact-from-fear-parental-alienation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arwanilawfirm.com\/separating-fact-from-fear-parental-alienation\/","title":{"rendered":"Separating Fact from Fear: Parental Alienation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Divorcing parents spend hours, sometimes with each other, and sometimes with their respective attorneys, trying to agree on parenting responsibility as set out by the family law courts. Some families find that life post-divorce, while initially awkward and tense, eventually resumes a \u2018new-normal\u2019 with the guidance set out by parenting plans.<\/p>\n

Other families may find that despite the provision of parenting plans and the implementation of time-sharing schedules, one or both of the parents are struggling to abide by the terms of the parenting plan or keep up with the time-sharing timetable. At such times, it may appear that one parent is, either deliberately or through sheer negligence, overstepping their allotted time with the child or making critical welfare-related decisions independent of the other parent. The parent being thwarted may feel alienated and seek to correct this interference between them and their child (or children).<\/p>\n

What is Parental Alienation?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Parental alienation is when the relationship between a parent and a child is interfered with by the other parent, and can be seen as a manifestation of child abuse. The identification and diagnosis of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) can only be made by certified mental health professionals who are called upon as witnesses in court.<\/p>\n

What Causes Parental Alienation?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The root cause of perceived parental alienation may be as simple as difficulties in communication between the parents. However, the allegation of parental alienation itself is insufficient to prove its existence in court. If the matter goes to family court, the parent alleging parental alienation must bring forth proof that the other parent is turning their child (or children) against them. Criteria used to identify instances of parental alienation and a change in existing shared parental responsibility agreements include the following:<\/p>\n