What Is Parental Alienation and How to Deal With It

Parental alienation is a form of psychological manipulation that sees one parent fostering a child’s rejection or negative feelings towards the other parent, potentially causing long-term emotional damage.

In Australia, the laws and courts prioritize the child’s welfare above all, ensuring that they can maintain meaningful relationships with both parents whenever safe and possible.

This article aims to elucidate the concept of parental alienation, discuss its implications within the Australian court system, and suggest strategies for addressing this challenging issue.

 

What is Parental Alienation Syndrome?

Psychiatrist Richard A. Gardner coined Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in the 1980s. It describes a set of behaviours exhibited by a child who—under the influence of an alienating parent—becomes estranged from the other parent.

PAS can manifest in various ways, including unfounded hatred, fear, or disrespect towards the alienated parent.

It’s important to note that while PAS isn’t formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the distress it causes children and families is very real.

Also read: How Withholding a Child from Other Parent Can Backfire

 

How Do Courts Address Parental Alienation in Australia?

When instances of parental alienation are brought before the Australian courts, they are thoroughly examined and taken very seriously.

Proving parental alienation can be a challenging process, often requiring substantial evidence. The paramount consideration in all proceedings relating to children, as per the Family Law Act 1975, is the child’s best interests. This principle guides the court’s approach to parental alienation cases.

 

What is the Judicial View on Parental Alienation?

Australian judges are trained to protect a child’s best interests. They are attuned to potential parental alienation, understanding the harm it can inflict on the child’s well-being.

In any case, where one parent deliberately sabotages the child’s relationship with the other parent, judges will assess this behaviour critically.

They are committed to ensuring children can maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents, provided this aligns with their best interests and safety.

 

How Can Parental Alienation Be Challenged in Court?

Challenging parental alienation in court can be complex and requires a clear strategy, solid evidence, and legal expertise. Here’s how you can counteract parental alienation in court:

1. Retain a Lawyer Experienced in Parental Alienation Cases: Parental alienation cases can be complex and require a nuanced understanding of the legalities involved. It’s crucial to hire a child custody lawyer experienced in these cases who can effectively guide you through the legal process.
2. Document Evidence: Keep a record of every incident of parental alienation. This could include dates, times, places, and detailed descriptions of the events. You should also save all relevant emails, texts, voicemails, and letters.
3. Collect Witness Testimonies: Testimonies from neutral third parties, such as teachers, coaches, therapists, or family friends, who have witnessed the alienating behaviour can also be invaluable. They can provide an unbiased perspective on the parent-child relationship and instances of alienation.
4. Engage a Child Psychologist: A child psychologist can evaluate the child’s well-being and the parent-child relationship, providing valuable insights into the potential impact of parental alienation on the child. The psychologist’s testimony can be a crucial piece of evidence in court.
5. Maintain Your Relationship with the Child: Maintaining a positive relationship with your child is essential, even if the other parent is trying to alienate you. Show your child consistent love and support. Remain patient and understanding, avoiding negative talk about the other parent in front of the child.
6. Seek Family Therapy: Professional family therapy can help mitigate the impacts of parental alienation and help rebuild damaged relationships. A therapist can also testify in court about the progress and dynamics they observe.

Remember, each case of parental alienation is unique, and the court’s decisions will always aim to uphold the child’s best interests. Therefore, it is crucial to approach your case strategically and professionally, prioritizing the child’s well-being above all.

 

What Strategies Can Help Prove Manipulation in Court?

To prove manipulation in a court setting, one often needs to rely on expert testimonies, particularly those of psychological professionals who can assess the family dynamic and the child’s emotional state. Other forms of evidence might include:

• Written communications.
• Documented instances of alienating behaviours.
• Testimonies from individuals who have observed the manipulative actions.

 

Are There Any Noteworthy Parental Alienation Court Cases in Australia?

Other noteworthy court cases in Australia involve parental alienation, and they underscore how seriously the courts treat such issues. Let’s take a look at a few more examples:

Rosa v Rosa ([2006] FamCA 1196): The mother consistently hindered the father’s relationship with their child and disobeyed court orders for visitation. The court found these actions against the child’s best interests and awarded sole custody to the father, highlighting the potential severe legal consequences of parental alienation.

Eames and Eames ([2012] FamCAFC 36): In this case, the father sought sole parental responsibility due to allegations of parental alienation by the mother. The trial judge agreed that the mother had caused significant alienation. However, the judge decided it would not be in the children’s best interests to transfer primary care to the father due to the potential emotional impact on the children. The judge instead ordered that the children participate in therapy to help restore their relationship with their father.

Vos and Cox ([2012] FamCA 375): The court was faced with a mother who was found to have contributed significantly to her children’s estrangement from their father. The court took a drastic step by reversing the children’s primary residence from the mother to the father. The judgement highlighted the importance of children maintaining a relationship with both parents and demonstrated the courts’ willingness to take decisive action in parental alienation cases.

Webb & Statham ([2014] FamCA 14): In this case, despite the children expressing an aversion to spending time with their father, the court determined that the mother had deliberately influenced the children’s perspectives and impaired their relationship with their father. This led to the court ruling in favour of changing the primary residency of the children to the father.

 

How Can Justice Family Lawyers Assist You in a Parental Alienation Case?

Navigating a parental alienation situation can be an incredibly stressful and emotionally challenging experience. Having a competent and compassionate legal team at your side can make a difference.

Our dedicated lawyers are ready to provide the necessary guidance and support. If you’re grappling with parental alienation, are you prepared to take the first step towards safeguarding your child’s well-being and parental rights? Contact Justice Family Lawyers today.