As we’ve discussed previously on this blog, parental alienation can be a key argument in a child custody dispute. If one parent is successful in showing this manipulative tactic, then the court is likely to rule in the non-alienating parent’s favor. That means if you’re accused of engaging in parental alienation, then you might feel like your back is up against the wall as you fight to protect your child’s best interests and the time that you get to spend with them.
Yes. While the courts are becoming more receptive to parental alienation arguments, they won’t buy into them fully if you can present persuasive counter arguments. These can include:
- Attacking the credibility of the other parent’s assertions, such as by pointing out the parent’s motivation to lie, their history of misstating the facts or otherwise being dishonest and pointing out inconsistencies in their accounts.
- Presenting witness testimony that attests to the bond and relationship with your child, and that may contradict the claims made by the other parent.
- Requesting a custody evaluation that will allow a neutral third-party to observe your interactions with your child.
- Having your child meet with a mental health provider who can speak to any parenting practices that may be impacting your child’s well-being, or a lack thereof.
Be as aggressive and as comprehensive as possible here so that you do everything possible to protect your child.
Do you need help crafting your child custody strategy?
If so, then now is the time to talk to your attorney about the best way to gather evidence and build your case. By being thorough in your child custody case, you’ll hopefully beat back any false allegations, thereby allowing you to protect your child’s interests and secure the time and relationship with them that you want.