If you believe parental alienation plays a role in your child’s life, now is the time to act.
Divorce is challenging and can lead to stressful and sometimes abusive situations. In some cases, one parent may try to manipulate their child to harbor negative feelings toward the other parent. This distressing situation, known as parental alienation, can be harrowing for the parent on the receiving end. When parental alienation is identified, it can also be alleviated.
If you believe parental alienation plays a role in your child’s life, now is the time to act. If you are unsure what legal options you have, the experienced child custody attorneys at Mastracci Law Office can help.
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation is the process where a child becomes estranged from one parent due to psychological manipulation by the other parent. The alienating parent may employ various strategies, such as negative comments, limiting contact, or creating the impression that the other parent is dangerous or unloving.
Children subjected to parental alienation often exhibit a severe dislike or fear towards the alienated parent without legitimate justification. This can lead to significant long-term effects on a child’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Signs of Parental Alienation
Identifying parental alienation early is crucial. Some warning signs include:
- The child unjustly criticizes or insults the alienated parent.
- The child exhibits strong allegiance to one parent over the other without a valid reason.
- The child denies being influenced by the alienating parent.
- The alienating parent restricts the child’s communication with the other parent.
Parental Alienation Cases in Maryland
In Maryland, the child’s best interest is paramount in child custody cases. This involves a comprehensive analysis of factors such as the child’s age, the capacity of parents to communicate and reach shared decisions, and the potential for maintaining family relationships.
When there is alleged alienation, Maryland courts will carefully assess the situation. They will look at the level of alienation, its impact on the child, and the potential that the alienating parent is manipulating the child to gain an advantage in the custody case. In severe cases, if the court determines that parental alienation is significantly harming the child’s well-being, it may affect the custody or visitation rights of the alienating parent.
The Role of a Child Custody Attorney in Parental Alienation Cases
A child custody attorney is invaluable in cases of parental alienation. Their expertise can be the difference between a prolonged custody battle and a swift resolution. Benefits of hiring a child custody attorney include:
- Advising you of your legal rights and the best course of action.
- Gathering and presenting evidence of parental alienation.
- Advocating for custody arrangements that best serve the child’s emotional needs.
- Working with psychologists or counselors to support your child’s well-being.
- Seeking court interventions to prevent further alienation.
The Right Lawyer Can Make All the Difference
Hiring a lawyer should be the first thing you do when encountering any legal matter, not a last resort. Whether you’re thinking about a separation or divorce or have been charged with a crime, been injured in an accident, or your civil rights have been violated, you need to first know your rights. Contact Mike Mastracci today at 614 Edmondson Ave Catonsville, MD 21228 (with satellite offices in Ocean City, Snow Hill, and Salisbury, Maryland), 410-869-3400, and check us out on Facebook.