When couples separate or divorce, it can be challenging to set aside emotions. The longing to hurt or punish the other person is all too common. Unfortunately, children often get stuck in the middle of these conflicts, which can lead to parental alienation.
Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to drive a wedge between the child and the other parent. These cases can have a devastating effect on relationships. You should seek advice from a legal professional to assist you with navigating these circumstances and dealing with instances of alienation.
Parental alienation can take many forms. Some of the more common examples include:
- Denigrating comments: One parent may denigrate the other parent in front of the child. However, parents are not the only people who engage in this type of behaviour. It is also a form of parental alienation when relatives or others make denigrating comments about the other parent in front of the child, and a parent fails to address the denigrating comments.
- Undermining a parent’s authority: If one parent leads a child to believe that the other parent is wrong or has less influence over the child’s life, a serious breakdown in the relationship can occur.
- Parental replacement: Most parents will eventually start a new relationship. This alone is not a form of alienation. A child can often be comfortable with the idea of three or four parents. Issues arise if a stepparent or new partner effectively replaces the biological parent.
To minimise the risk of parental alienation, it is important to keep your child’s best interests in mind. The law in Australia recognises that the child’s best interests should guide any decision. So, when you are discussing children’s matters with your former spouse, you should always keep in mind that the child’s best interests are paramount in any decision made.
If you have concerns about parental alienation, it is important to speak with a family law professional who has experience addressing these issues. Call us today to speak with one of our family law experts – 1300 414 855.