On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Tuesday January 21st, 2025.
Divorce and custody fights are hard enough, but things can worsen when one parent starts turning a child against the other parent. Being alienated can feel like your own child is slipping away. Imagine being a loving parent, and suddenly, your child won’t talk to you, avoids visits, or acts like you have done something wrong—when you haven’t. It is heartbreaking.
Sadly, parental alienation is common in high-conflict custody disputes. The good news is that you are not powerless. Florida law recognizes how harmful parental alienation can be, and there are ways to fight back and protect your relationship with your child.
What Does Parental Alienation Look Like?
Parental alienation can be sneaky. Sometimes, it is obvious, like a parent saying bad things about the other in front of the child. Other times, it is more subtle—maybe the other parent “forgets” to pass along your messages or makes the child feel guilty for wanting to spend time with you.
Here are some signs to watch for:
- Your child suddenly shows anger or fear toward you without any clear reason.
- They start using language that sounds more like the other parent than their own words.
- They refuse to visit or even talk to you, even though things used to be fine.
How Florida Law Can Help
Florida courts care about what is best for your child, and they know that having both parents involved is usually the healthiest option. If you suspect parental alienation, you can take the following legal steps:
- Change the Custody Agreement: You can ask the court to adjust custody or visitation if the other parent is harming your relationship with your child.
- Request Family Counseling: Judges can order therapy for your child or even the whole family to help rebuild trust and communication.
- Enforce the Rules: If the other parent is breaking custody agreements, they could face fines or lose custody rights.
Start Rebuilding Your Bond Today
Parental alienation can cause deep pain, but you do not have to face it alone. There are real, legal ways to protect your relationship with your child and stop this behavior in its tracks. Contact Wickersham & Bowers today and take the first step toward healing your family.