When you divorce, your children are likely your highest priority. Setting up a custody and parenting time plan that will benefit your children is one of your primary concerns. You may be completely taken by surprise if your spouse cuts you out of your children’s lives or turns your children against you. It happens more frequently than you think.
Parental alienation is the term used to describe a situation in which one parent refuses to allow the other parent to see, talk to, or spend time with the child. Parental alienation also includes turning a child against the other parent so that the child comes to believe he or she does not want contact with that parent – in essence gradually brainwashing a child against a parent. It is a painful situation and one that can be difficult to combat.
Keeping a child from spending time with or having a relationship with the other parent is damaging to the child. It is not only manipulative but it is cruel and has long-ranging damaging implications for the child. Fortunately, New Jersey courts do recognize the issue of parental alienation. Your attorney can gather and present evidence to the court that proves your ex has poisoned your child against you, or kept your child from having a healthy relationship with you. In some cases, proof of alienation can be grounds for a change in custody.
If you believe your ex is trying to turn your child against you or is denying you contact with your child, call DeTorres & DeGeorge LLC for cutting edge legal advice and representation.