It is natural for children whose parents live apart to want to spend more time with them. Most children feel that they will not be able to spend enough time with mom and dad after divorce. Custodial parents generally have less time for the children due to the many responsibilities they have and non-custodial parents aren’t around as much as they used to. In the midst of all this chaos, some parents may take advantage of the situation and manipulate their children into fearing or expressing hostility towards their former spouses. This is when parental alienation takes place. A child may reject one parent following a harshly contested divorce. These cases generally require the intervention of a Salt Lake City divorce attorney. Several problems may arise that only an experienced attorney is equipped to handle.
Divorce can be one of the most frightening experiences for children since their lives may change dramatically after their parents decide to go separate ways. They have to adapt to a new family structure they do not like yet they have no control over it. Children need the love and care of both parents when growing up. Unfortunately, some parents don’t understand this and they choose to involve their children in a harsh divorce battle. It is a way to harm a former spouse by taking the children from them.
It all depends on your child’s age and your relationship with them. If you still communicate with your children, there are some steps you can take to stop the alienation:
- Don’t talk bad about your former spouse in front of your children.
- Don’t act like the other parent or imitate the alienating behavior.
- Reassure your children that you will always love them and care for them no matter what.
- Don’t blame your children.
- Remind your children of the great times you had together.
- Respect your visitation schedule.
- Talk to a Salt Lake City divorce attorney to help you combat parental alienation.
If your former spouse is trying very hard to keep your children from you, you should speak to a Utah family law attorney immediately and seek legal action. Some alienators end up having supervised visitations and they can no longer continue the alienating behavior. But you must first hire an experienced attorney who will instruct you on what to do. Call us today and schedule an initial case review with Salt Lake City family law attorneyEmy A. Cordano.