When One Parent Tries to Alienate a Child: Legal Remedies That Work
Families are built on love, trust, and connection, but when these bonds are tested, it can cause profound heartache. For many parents, raising children together, even after a divorce or separation, is challenging yet rewarding.
However, what happens when one parent actively tries to harm the relationship between a child and the other parent? Parental alienation is a painful reality for far too many families and leaves both the targeted children and parent grappling with confusion, fear, and a sense of deep loss.
Parental alienation often doesn’t happen overnight. Gradually, an alienating parent may plant seeds of negativity about the other parent, limit communication, or even manipulate a child into believing things that aren’t true. Detecting and addressing these behaviors early on can make a world of difference.
At Columbia Family Law Center, we’ve worked with families throughout Washington state for over 30 years. During this time, we’ve seen the devastating effects of parental alienation and have helped countless families take steps to repair the damage. With office locations in Federal Way, Tacoma, and Bellevue, Washington, we are dedicated to helping parents and children through these difficult situations.
If you are experiencing parental alienation, there are legal remedies available to protect your children from this type of harmful influence and to help you safeguard your relationship with your child.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to undermine or destroy the relationship between a child and the other parent. This behavior can take many forms, from subtle criticism and manipulation to overt lies or restricting time together.
Over time, this intentional interference can result in a child resisting or rejecting the targeted parent altogether, creating long-lasting emotional damage for both parent and child. While every case is different, the common signs of parental alienation often include the following:
A child expressing unwarranted anger or rejection of a parent
Being overly aligned with one parent’s opinions or narratives
Hearing accusations from the child that mirror the language of the alienating parent
A parent blocking or limiting communication with the other parent, such as denying phone calls or unreasonably withholding visitation
Criticizing the targeted parent in front of the child, such as by diminishing their role or capabilities
Parental alienation comes in many forms, and unfortunately, it can escalate quickly. The good news is that there are steps you can take to address it.
Legal Remedies for Parental Alienation
At Columbia Family Law Center, we understand how challenging it can be when your bond with your child is being eroded. Taking legal action can help you protect your relationship and shield your child from emotional harm and manipulation. Some of the ways the Washington legal system can help include:
Documenting Evidence
Before taking legal action, it’s important to gather evidence. This could include text messages, emails, voicemails, or written communication that demonstrates the alienating behavior from the other parent. Consider keeping a detailed journal of instances in which your parenting time was interfered with or when efforts were made to alienate your child to further support your case.
Enforcing Parenting Plans
Parenting plans exist to give both parents fair and equal time with their children, and Washington courts take these agreements seriously. If one parent is violating the terms of your parenting plan, filing a motion to enforce it can be a powerful way to protect your time with your child and your relationship with them.
Modifying Custody or Visitation Arrangements
If alienation persists or worsens, the courts may decide to modify your custody arrangement to prioritize the best interests of the child. This might mean granting the targeted parent more parenting time or, in extreme cases, limiting the alienating parent’s access to the child.
Seeking Court-Ordered Counseling
Family therapy or counseling can help re-establish the parent-child bond when alienation has occurred. Washington courts may order this as part of a plan to repair relationships and address the emotional toll that alienation takes on children.
Filing Contempt of Court Actions
When a parent deliberately violates a court order, such as withholding visitation or making derogatory statements about the other parent to the child, they may be held in contempt of court. This can act as both a remedy and a deterrent for future interference by the offending parent.
How to Prioritize Your Child’s Well-Being
The heart of any legal action to address parental alienation is the well-being of your child. Children thrive most when they have loving, supportive relationships with both of their parents.
Alienation not only harms the targeted parent but can also leave the child with long-term emotional scars. Taking action isn’t just about protecting your rights; it’s about advocating for the stability and peace your child deserves.
At Columbia Family Law Center, we are committed to helping families in Washington state overcome challenges and find pathways to resolution. We understand the unique struggles that parental alienation brings, and our team is here to guide and support you through every step.
Contact Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys for Skilled Advocacy
Parental alienation is a painful experience for any parent, but you don’t have to face it alone. Legal remedies are available, and with the right guidance, it’s possible to protect your relationship with your child and help them develop a healthy, balanced connection with both parents.
If you’re facing parental alienation, we encourage you to reach out to us at Columbia Family Law Center today. With offices in Federal Way, Tacoma, and Bellevue, Washington, our attorneys will work with you to pursue solutions that prioritize your family’s future and your child’s happiness.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. For military families, we offer a 25% discount. We acknowledge the sacrifices your family has made for our country.
