Divorce can involve a host of negative feelings, including resentment, anger, and contempt among former spouses. These feelings can escalate when children are involved, particularly when one parent attempts to damage the relationship between their child and his or her other parent. While sabotaging a child’s relationship with the other parent is clearly not in the child’s best interests, some individuals resort to these tactics out of fear of losing control or other motivations. The resulting parental alienation syndrome has been hotly debated in the psychological community, but it is very real to the mothers, fathers, and children who suffer from its painful effects. If you feel you and your child are the victims of parental alienation, the divorce and family law attorneys at Morris County’s Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, can help.
Family Law Attorneys | Representing Parents in Morris County & Throughout New Jersey
With more than 75 combined years of experience with both mothers’ rights and fathers’ rights, our New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Matrimonial Law attorneys and talented legal professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skill to assist you in requesting early court intervention. To prevent the irreparable harm that parental alienation can cause to your child, contact us immediately for a free consultation. Our command of the legal and psychological implications of parental alienation syndrome can serve as your greatest asset moving forward.
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation syndrome first earned its name over two decades ago, when Psychiatrist Richard Gardner identified the collection of behaviors involved in this phenomenon and its associated consequences for children and targeted parents. Gardner defined parental alienation syndrome as:
“A disorder that arises primarily in the context of child-custody disputes. Its primary manifestation is the child’s campaign of denigration against a parent, a campaign that has no justification. It results from the combination of a programming (brainwashing) parent’s indoctrination and the child’s own contributions to the vilification of the targeted parent.”
Evaluating the Potential Signs of Parental Alienation
Parental alienation can take many forms. However, there are some common signs that may be cause for concern. If you regularly notice any of the following behaviors or actions, it would be wise to consult a divorce and family law attorney who has experience with these issues:
- The other parent attempts to “rescue” your child during scheduled visitation with you.
- The other parent tries to make your child feel guilty for spending time with you.
- The other parent does not follow the court-ordered visitation schedule and denies you time with your child.
- The other parent denies you telephone contact with your child.
- The other parent falsely accuses you or speaks negatively about you in front of your child.
- The other parent denies you access to your child’s school records, medical records or other information.
- Your child begins acting abnormally rebellious or uneasy around you.
- Your child blames you for all the other parent’s financial or emotional struggles.
Contact Our Morris County NJ Parental Alienation Lawyers to Discuss Your Case
The seasoned New Jersey family attorneys at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark can take the legal steps necessary to combat parental alienation in all its forms, from seeking reunification therapy for you and your child to petitioning the court for a New Jersey child custody transfer. If you have any questions about parental alienation, or if you suspect that you may be the targeted parent in a parental alienation situation, do not hesitate to contact our Morris County offices at 973-840-8970 for a cost-free consultation.
