Emotions run high in custody disputes, and seeing your child change in response to the process is heartbreaking. Sometimes those changes actually reflect parental alienation. If you suspect that the other parent is turning your child against you, act fast. Protect your child and your bond and consider legal help.
What does parental alienation look like?
Alienation involves repeated behaviors that shape how your child views you. Given enough time, these manipulations can influence custody decisions. This is why Louisiana courts thoroughly examine the following behaviors:
- Scripted language: A child repeating adult language or legal terms they could not have learned on their own. They may also recite accusations without much variation.
- Lack of middle ground: The child views the alienating parent as all good and the targeted parent as all bad.
- Interference with scheduled communication: The alienating parent experiences technical issues often during calls. They may also claim that they did not receive certain emails or gifts.
- Withholding information: One parent conveniently “forgets” to share school, medical or extracurricular updates to make the other parent look neglectful or uninterested.
These patterns alert judges that the child is being manipulated to reject you. An experienced family lawyer can help you document this behavior and present the evidence to the court.
How Louisiana law views alienation
Louisiana Civil Code Article 134 lists 14 factors that judges must consider and one that matters most for parental alienation is Factor 12. It discusses the willingness of both parties to foster a close constant relationship with the child. If a judge finds that one parent is sabotaging the other’s relationship with the child, they may consider this a fundamental failure to co-parent.
The state’s custody law follows the “Best Interest of the Child” standard, so in severe alienation cases they may do the following:
- Modify custody: Transfer primary physical custody to the targeted parent.
- Order reunification therapy: The judge will require counseling to repair the damaged bond.
- Contempt of court: A parent who consistently violates visitation orders can face fines or jail time.
As an alienated parent, solid evidence is necessary to support your custody case. So prepare clear records and collect witness statements early. Make sure you comply if the court orders an independent evaluation.
Reclaiming your relationship with your child
You do not have to handle this situation alone. There are medical professionals who can help your child heal and rebuild trust, while an experienced family law attorney can protect your parental rights. Remember, everyone deserves a relationship with their child, even after separation.