Parental Alienation

What is Parental Alienation?

Often, one of the most damaging effects of a difficult, highly contested divorce is parental alienation. Parental alienation occurs when one parent purposefully encourages a child to disengage from the other parent and/or denigrate the other parent. Typical methods include: badmouthing the parent, denying visitation rights through geographical relocation or other means, using the psychological threat of detachment, and withdrawing affection and other tactics.

An Extremely Complex Issue

The issue is extremely complex and difficult to assess — especially initially. For pre-school age or younger children, the harmful effects of parental alienation may not be apparent for several years. Research studies showing the negative psychological effects of parental alienation syndrome or PAS are receiving much greater attention as the divorce rate in the United States continues to exceed the 50% mark and more and more families are affected. Divorce lawyers in Palm Beach County vary in their experience and expertise in these situations. Charles Jamieson works hard to stay abreast of the latest research. His knowledge and experience make him a leader among Florida attorneys and an active presenter on this issue.

The Extended Family

The issue affects not only the parents in a divorce, but grandparents and other “extended family” members as well. Too often, the precious bonds that a child has developed with his or her grandparents, aunts, uncles, step brothers and step sisters are battered or broken due to the actions of a disgruntled parent attempting to get back at the other spouse. A grandparent’s relationship and contact with their grandchildren are common concerns. The courts recognize with increasing frequency the importance of the grandparent relationship. However, the law in Florida may not be sympathetic to grandparents. Using his experience and creativity, Charles Jamieson often finds solutions to create and legally maintain the grandparents’ relationship with their grandchildren during alienation cases.

Effects on Custody

In a parental alienation situation when one parent uses tactics of hostility with a child, the dynamics of custody/time sharing changes. A time sharing custody evaluation may be in the best present and future interests of the child. Enlisting the legal advice of an expert can assist a parent with an alienated child evaluate their options and pursue the proper course of action. The most qualified family law attorneys are familiar with the latest research on the topic, have an extensive network of experts in the fields of child developmental psychology, the sociology of relationships, and have the knowledge of the relevant legal principles to assist them in protecting and defending a parent’s right to pursue a healthy relationship with their child. It is vitally important that these matters are handled with extreme sensitivity, care and professionalism to ensure the best interests of the child and a continuing parent/child relationship.

Responsible parents have the right to have a positive, loving relationship with their children. And, children deserve to grow up in a psychologically healthy relationship with their parents. Too often, child support and child visitation/contact scheduling rights become areas that spouses use to vent their anger and hostility. If such issues are not addressed, and as research suggests, emotional dysfunction for the child can follow him or her far into their future relationships with others.

When one parent uses tactics of hostility with a child, the dynamics of custody/time sharing change. Mr. Charles Jamieson handles these matters of extreme sensitivity with care and professionalism to look after the children at the center. His access to the latest research and extensive network of experts in the fields of child development, psychology, the sociology of relationships, and relevant legal principles helps him protect and defend a client’s rights to pursue a healthy relationship with their children. In addition to representing clients, Attorney Jamieson also acts as a legal consultant or assists other attorneys and Pro-Se litigants in matters of parental alienation.