There are many obstacles to overcome in a high-asset or high-conflict divorce. One such obstacle is the act of parental alienation that your spouse might perform in an attempt to aggressively distance your child from you.
Parental alienation refers to behaviors that physically keep a child away from a parent or that negatively alter their opinions of that parent. It is also a form of child abuse, one which can affect your family even long after the conclusion of divorce proceedings.
What are the long-term effects of parental alienation?
Parental alienation can directly affect the mental well-being of the child caught in the middle of a divorce, leading to difficulties in forming relationships and other challenges throughout life. It is also likely to affect you as a victim as well by harming the relationship you have with your child. Your overall family dynamic may suffer as a result of parental alienation, making it nearly impossible to maintain a functional co-parenting relationship.
How can you recover from parental alienation?
Your child’s well-being is the most important thing to consider in the aftermath of parental alienation. It may be necessary to consult with a therapist who can help your child overcome the mental or emotional challenges that can arise after being the victim of abuse. Similar counseling can also help you mend a relationship that is in poor condition after the events of alienating behavior.
If parental alienation continues to occur even after the finalization of the divorce, you may need to pursue legal action in revising the court’s original custody order. It is not in your child’s best interests to remain in an abusive environment.
