When a child suddenly begins to reject one parent without a clear reason, it can be heartbreaking and confusing. In many cases, this may be a sign of parental alienation—a situation where one parent influences a child to turn against the other. At Central Justice, we understand how damaging this can be for everyone involved, especially the children. If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you protect your relationship with your child.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation happens when one parent tries to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent. This often shows up during or after a divorce, particularly when emotions are high and custody issues are in play.
Some common signs of parental alienation include:
- Your child refuses to speak to you or spend time with you without an obvious reason.
- The child repeats negative comments that sound like they’re coming from the other parent.
- Your child expresses anger toward you that seems out of place or exaggerated.
- One parent undermines or criticizes the other in front of the child.
Children may not even realize they’re being influenced. What might seem like a child “taking sides” can actually be the result of consistent manipulation or pressure. It’s painful, but it can be addressed.
How Florida Courts View Parental Alienation
In Florida, judges take the child’s best interest seriously when making custody and time-sharing decisions. If there’s evidence that one parent is trying to turn the child against the other, the court may consider it a form of emotional harm.
Under Florida Statute §61.13, one of the key factors courts consider is whether each parent encourages a close relationship between the child and the other parent. If one parent is trying to block that relationship, it could influence how parenting time is divided.
Judges may not always use the phrase “parental alienation,” but they watch for warning signs such as:
- Refusing to follow the parenting plan
- Making false allegations
- Disrespecting the other parent in front of the child
If this is happening in your case, it’s important to raise the issue early and clearly.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Parental Alienation
If you think the other parent is influencing your child in a harmful way, don’t ignore it. There are steps you can take to protect both your child and your rights.
Start by documenting what you see. Keep a record of:
- Missed visits or canceled time-sharing
- Messages from the other parent that seem manipulative
- Sudden changes in your child’s behavior or tone
You may also want to consider working with a therapist or counselor who can help identify what’s happening and provide support for your child. In some cases, the court might appoint a guardian ad litem or parenting coordinator.
And we can help you take legal action if needed. That might include asking the court to enforce your parenting plan or modify it to prevent further harm.
How We Can Help at Central Justice
At Central Justice, we work with parents who are going through this kind of painful situation. Parental alienation cases can be emotionally draining, but we’re here to offer steady guidance and strong representation.
When you work with us, we’ll help you:
- Understand your legal options
- Gather evidence to support your concerns
- Request evaluations or court interventions when appropriate
- Prioritize your child’s well-being every step of the way
Our goal is to help you reestablish a healthy, loving relationship with your child and make sure the court sees the full picture.
Contact an Experienced Orlando Parental Alienation Attorney
If you’re dealing with parental alienation, don’t wait to get help. The longer it goes on, the more damage it can cause to your relationship with your child. At Central Justice, we’ll listen and advise you on the best course of action. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to help you take back your role as a parent.