Is Parental Alienation Against The Law In The USA?

Parental alienation refers to manipulating a child’s perception of the other parent through negative comments. This can lead to adverse effects, including psychological disorders, anxiety, insecurities, etc, leading naturally to the question: Is parental alienation against the law in the USA?

 Unfortunately, it isn’t a punishable offense in any state of the United States. But of course, if you are a parent who has been alienated from your child, you can mention this in family court when the custody arrangement is being set up. If the alienating efforts are affecting the child’s mental health, it will be considered a big offense, eventually helping you in the custody battle.

Keep reading to find out more about this issue.

Is Parental Alienation Against The Law In The USA?

There’s no civil or criminal statute governing parental alienation specifically in any state of the USA. However, each state’s family court follows the “best interest of the child” guideline while settling a child custody dispute.

And every child’s best interest is to have both parents present in their lives. If you see a sudden change of behavior in your child’s behavior toward you, it’s a good reason to suspect alienating efforts.

In this case, you can ask your lawyer to bring it up in front of the family court, as such alienating efforts often lead to long-term psychological issues in children. The court upon finding your claims believable, will appoint a therapist or child psychologist to evaluate the claims.

Is It Possible To Lose Child’s Custody On The Basis Of Parental Alienation?

Yes, it’s very possible. Even though parental alienation itself is not punishable, it can serve as a great evidence of a child’s mental abuse. If the other parent is accused of child abuse, which is a highly punishable felony, you can limit the visitation rights by providing evidence of parental alienation efforts.

What Kind Of Evidence Are Required To Prove Parental Alienation?

Studies by the National Parent Organization shows that 13.4% of divorced parents experience alienated behaviors from their children. If you are one of them, here are some ways to submit proof of being alienated by the other parent in front of the family court.

• Statements By Witnesses:

Witnesses like family friends, grand-parents, and even neighbors can come forward to give a statement. The other parent publicly criticizing you in front of the child will also be substantial proof of toxic alienation being experimented on the child.

• Statements Of Child Psychologists:

A child psychologist will be assigned to stir up the child and find out the reality of your claim. The psychologist will try to examine whether the child’s mental health has been disturbed due to toxic parental alienation tactics.

• Text Messages, Audio Or Video Records:

If you have recorded proof of the other parent manipulating your child, you can use it as evidence. Even social media posts disparaging you will be taken into consideration as well.

Final Words

Parental alienation is a reprehensible and immoral tactic often adopted intentionally or unintentionally by parents to manipulate the child. If you have substantial proof of the other parent deliberately trying to turn the child cold toward you, consult capable lawyers for single moms and dads within your state to convince the court to reassess the visitation rights.