What parents should know about parental alienation
Parental alienation is a deeply distressing issue that can arise during separation or divorce, where one parent attempts to turn their child against the other parent. While it may begin subtly, unfortunately, the long-term consequences for children and families can be quite sad.
What is parental alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when a child becomes estranged from one parent due to psychological manipulation by the other. This behaviour can range from light undermining to serious and planned ‘campaigns of denigration’. Importantly, not every conflict between separated parents constitutes alienation: courts and professionals look for patterns of behaviour that actively damage the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Recognising alienation early can help prevent long-term harm. Common signs include: a child expressing unjustified anger or fear toward one parent, repeating adult-like criticisms that seem “rehearsed”, refusing contact without clear reasons, showing no guilt about rejecting a parent, aligning completely with one parent while rejecting the other and more.
These unfortunate behaviours may be reinforced by the alienating parent through emotional pressure and/or misinformation. Children caught in parental alienation might experience emotional distress, difficulty forming healthy relationships with friends and other family members and even identity issues and loyalty conflicts. Some situations might even result in long-term psychological harm, including anxiety and depression.
Legal Considerations
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia takes parental alienation seriously. When such situations are raised in proceedings, the court may:
- Appoint an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) to represent the child’s best interests;
- Order psychological assessments or family reports; and
- Consider changing living arrangements, if alienation is causing harm.
In some severe cases, courts have transferred primary care from the alienating parent to the ‘targeted’ parent in order to protect the child’s emotional wellbeing. However, some situations are so severe that legal action alone may not resolve alienation. Therapeutic support for the child is often needed, and it’s likely to be aimed at restoring the child’s relationship with the alienated parent.
If you suspect parental alienation from your ex-partner, we suggest the following tips:
- Document behaviours and incidents carefully;
- Focus on maintaining a positive relationship with your child;
- Seek legal advice early to understand your options;
- Engage with professionals such as psychologists or mediators who specialise in family dynamics;
- Remain calm and child-focused.
Each matter is unique and needs to be addressed according to your personal circumstances and needs. To speak with one of our experienced family lawyers, please contact our Brisbane office today on (07) 3221 4300 or by filling out this form online.
