Getting divorced when there are minor children involved is undoubtedly more complex than separating without any children in the picture. Worse, many parents experience parental alienation in the aftermath of a divorce. This is a real problem that can affect entire families. Here, the Westlake Village divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch want to discuss parental alienation and whether or not there is a way during the divorce process to prevent it.
What Is Parental Alienation
The term parental alienation arose in the 1980s and occurs “when one parent attempts to turn the couple’s children against the other parent.”
There are various ways that parents can accomplish this. They can work to paint a negative picture of the other parent through comments made to the children. They can make false accusations about the other parent in the presence of the children. They may also do everything in their power to deny the other parent their court-ordered custody and visitation rights.
Children are vulnerable to this behavior; in many cases, they may not realize that what one parent tells them is false.
Studies have shown that the parent who works to alienate the other actively is generally the least emotionally healthy of the two. In many cases, the parent who is alienating is also more wealthy and able to afford legal challenges.
This type of behavior is devastating for a child. Edward Kruk, Ph.D., writes that “the biopsychosocial-spiritual effects of parental alienation are devastating. For both the alienated parent and child, the removal and denial of contact in the absence of neglect or abuse constitute cruel and unusual treatment.”
Can This Be Prevented
At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, our Westlake Village divorce attorneys recognize the importance of a smooth separation process. Even in a contested divorce, both sides must behave civilly for the sake of the children involved. Barring criminal behavior, physical abuse, or substance abuse, both parents should aim to remain in their children’s lives and allow the other parent to remain part of their child’s life.
To that end, our divorce attorneys will work diligently to resolve all issues amicably for your case. We will fight to ensure you are treated fairly and that all final custody and visitation issues are resolved.
Let Us Help You Through This Situation
If you are in the process of going through a divorce and there are minor children involved, we understand that this is a tough time for you. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, we want to help ensure that this process goes as smoothly as possible and that you have a healthy relationship with your children in the aftermath. We will work to ensure you are treated fairly. If you are already divorced but are experiencing custody or visitation issues, we can work through the court system to straighten this out. When you need a Westlake Village divorce attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 818-707-0202.
