Divorce and Parent Alienation Syndrome: Victim or Instigator?

It's hard enough on children when their parents get divorced but when parents get into alienating the other parent as a means of revenge, some call it parent alienation syndrome or (PAS). This is even being recognized in the courts as unfortunately it is not uncommon.

PAS is harmful to the child as well as the victimized parent. There are varying levels of PAS, some are mild and on occasion one parent will make negative remarks to the child about the former spouse, but not in a vicious manner.

The more severe type of parental alienation is marked by vicious and direct attempts by one parent to sway the child's loyalties away from the other parent by making continual degrading remarks and even telling the child falsehoods. The offending parent may say things like "your father doesn't love you otherwise he never would have left us" or some similar remark with bad intentions.

Examples of Parental Alienation Actions

If you are either a victim of any of the following actions or the one instigating the actions as listed below, you are involved in parental alienation and should recognize it for what it is. Getting help from a family law attorney can help set things right and protect you and your children.

• A parent asks the child to spy on the other parent, then tell them what they found out
• A parent asks the child to lie or keep secrets from the other parent
• A parent keeps things from the child that came from the other parent like messages, phone calls, gifts, money and so forth
• A parent speaks critically about the other parent in front of the child or his friends and family within hearing distance
• Instilling guilt in the child for spending time with or liking the other parent
• Interrogating the child for information and details of what they did, where they went, what they talked about when with the other parent

If you are experiencing any of the above parental alienation difficulties either pre or post divorce in the Long Island area, you should consult with a Long Island family law attorney. Whether you are the instigator or the recipient, either way, the activity can affect your personal and possibly legal relationship with your child. At Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, we can help. We are experienced, compassionate and have been successfully representing clients in family law matters for years. We offer free initial consultations and will answer any questions you may have in confidence.

Contact a Long Island divorce lawyer in our office for an appointment today.