When divorces begin, there is often considerable animosity between the divorcing parties. They may all look much alike. However, in cases where Parental Alienation (PA) is present, a very different dynamic is operating that may be difficult to identify at first glance.
The animosity between divorcing parties, in many, if not most cases, will subside with time. In cases with Parental Alienation however, the acrimony will typically increase, and the sooner this can be identified the better. The problem is that they often look very similar at the outset.
Why is it important to be able to identify PA cases early on? Because failure to do so, and proceeding as if Parental Alienation is not present, will predict very likely failure. Adding to this is the fact that Family Law Judges often under
appreciate the significant damage that PA does to its victims, the children, as they may appear to be thriving with the alienating parent.
In cases where PA is not present, as acrimony subsides, disagreements are more easily negotiated, often with mediation. In these cases, it is not necessary or even advisable to aggressively “go after” the other parent to make the case. In fact, doing so will often backfire and make the attacking parent look badly. Further, in cases were PA is not present, extensive discovery is often not warranted and necessary.
Conversely, when Parental Alienation is present, these typical tools and strategies will be found to be not only ineffective, but also counterproductive. These cases are very different than how they may originally appear, and therefore require different strategies.
We cover this topic and 10 others in depth in our premiere online workshop, “Litigating Family Law Cases with Parental Alienation”, learn more here.
It would be of great service to people to learn about this that do not have the resources to fight it. This is a worthwhile cause.
I agree and unfortunately addressing parental alienation in court is a time and resource consuming process not to mention the legal liability.
Excellent article! I’ve always told everyone that it’s in the early stages that intervention is so critical. If left untouched, thinking that it will go away, the future of these children and the future of all the victims involved can be disastrous. And I’m not exaggerating when I say disastrous
Extremely painful to watch my wife destroy the relationships I have with each of our 3 children. Seeing that my wife has a never ending bitterness against me, only prayer and forgiveness works to keep things going! The family is suffering . But focusing on God and His grace does help. However , this is not always the case as there are many trigger points we as flayed humans have. And no offense but women seem smarter than men on how to trigger us to react to various things. So put on the whole armor of God as it says in Ephesians chapter 6 and remain vigilant and courageous. Light will win over darkness when we ask for wisdom. Jesus said I am the Way, the truth , and the Light…. Let us look to Jesus the Messiah as our author and finisher of our faith.
It sounds like your faith is working for you and you’re well versed in it. Keep it up. The best to you.
Are there lawyers versed in this in Maryland? The legal system has failed my step children.
I am also interested in finding out about advocacy groups or even careers available that I could get involved with. Thank you.