Ending a marriage is not easy. If children are involved, the process is even more painful. When parents hurt, kids sometimes get caught in the crossfire of those emotions. One way this happens is through parental alienation. A parent takes measures to damage the relationship the children have with the ex-partner.
Parental alienation hurts all involved, and a Litchfield family lawyer from Rich Rochlin Family Law is here to help repair the damage. Lead attorney Rich Rochlin has 25 years of legal experience and a team driven by strong family values. Take your situation to a parental alienation lawyer in Litchfield. We want the best for you and your kids.
Take Action if You See Signs of Parental Alienation
Divorces can leave ex-spouses with feelings of deep anger. One party may want to “get back” at the other. Sometimes, a spouse uses the couple’s children as a weapon to exact revenge by turning the kids against the other parent. This behavior is called parental alienation.
Some common examples of acts of parental alienation include badmouthing the other parent or making children choose one parent over the other. The custodial parent could deny the other parent visitation rights, always having excuses for why the child is not available.
Get help from a Litchfield parental alienation attorney quickly if you are experiencing parental alienation. Though it may be tempting, retaliating or reacting out of anger can make the situation worse. We can provide immediate guidance and support, and help you pursue legal solutions.
Call today for a consultation with a parental alienation lawyer serving Litchfield (860) 357-9158
A Litchfield Parental Alienation Lawyer Can Fight for You and Your Child’s Well-being
Parental alienation hurts you and your child. A study published in the National Library of Medicine investigated the various effects of parental alienation, calling it “a complex form of child abuse.” For both the affected parent and child, it can lead to depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and future family dysfunction, among other outcomes.
The team at Rich Rochlin Family Law recognizes the pain you endure as an alienated parent. We know you want what is best for your child and will fight to uphold your parental rights, so you have the chance to repair your relationship with your child.
To start the process, we can file a motion for contempt for alienation. You may also want to adjust your custody agreement to counter the alienation. The court allows changes if you can prove there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
Litchfield Parental Alienation Lawyer Near Me (860) 357-9158
Collecting Evidence to Support Parental Alienation Allegations
Establishing parental alienation can be challenging. You can support your case by documenting behaviors as soon as you notice them. For example, keep records of custody agreement violations. If your child reveals something the other parent has said about you, document the comment, providing context for the remarks.
Ask family and friends who have witnessed the alienation or can otherwise provide support for your claim to give statements. Talk to professionals who can support your allegations. These parties could include healthcare providers, educators, or members of law enforcement.
A parental alienation attorney in Litchfield can explore additional sources of evidence. We may enlist help from child psychologists or arrange home studies. You can trust us to pursue all possible sources of helpful information.
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Pursuing Out-of-Court Options
There could be a way to address your situation without going to court. We can help determine whether working with a Connecticut parental coordinator (PC) is appropriate. PCs are legal professionals and neutral parties. They may be able to help you and your child avoid a long court process.
Mediation is another option. Mediators don’t have the power to render legal rulings. They can help you work through issues of parental alienation or other conflicts. An attorney can serve as a mediator. You and your ex-partner could also meet with a mediator who then brings their findings before a review council.
Four-way conversations present an additional possibility. They are discussions held with you and your ex-partner, and your respective attorneys. The intent is to resolve the parental alienation allegations without going to court.
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How the Court Addresses Parental Alienation
Connecticut family courts see parental alienation for the serious matter it is and will evaluate claims. Still, proving parental alienation is not always easy.
Your ex-partner may have stayed within the terms of your custody agreement, showing an impeccable record of compliance. Their methods of alienation could rest more on emotional and psychological manipulation of your child.
The court’s focus is on the child’s well-being. The court won’t ignore allegations of alienation, but will demand evidence. Judges often rely heavily on assessments made by child psychologists and other experts.
The court can also investigate the motivation for alienation. Some divorces have high financial stakes. The offending ex-partner might use alienation as a tactic to secure more money. Other times, the offending ex-partner uses the results of alienation, a child who is distrustful of the other parent, to present grounds for adjusting custody arrangements to favor the offending parent.
When the Court Rules in Your Favor
Our team will work diligently to get a favorable court decision. A favorable outcome could lead to modifications to the child custody arrangement that favor you. You may have increased visitation and access to your child. The court could change the custody arrangement and make you the custodial parent.
If the offending ex-partner violated court orders as part of their alienation strategy, they could face penalties including jail time and fines.
Get the Help You Need from a Team That Cares
Rich Rochlin Family Law knows how to support clients while taking their family matters through the legal system. Our team has skill and experience, but also treats every situation with dignity and warmth.
Enduring parental alienation can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless. We offer fierce advocacy and hope. Connect with a Litchfield parental alienation lawyer today. We’re ready to help.
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