Parents navigating a divorce or separation frequently worry about their relationships with their children. They may be on high alert, looking for any signs of misconduct and changing dynamics.
Many people have heard about parental alienation. The term rose to popularity decades ago and has influenced family law proceedings ever since. Occasionally, one parent might cancel the other’s time with the children. They might blame appointments, after-school activities or a temporary medical issue.
Are canceled parenting sessions indicative of attempts at parental alienation?
Alienation is a pattern, not a one-off incident
Parental alienation involves a consistent pattern of behavior intended to disrupt the parent-child relationship. Canceled or reduced parenting time is a common warning sign of alienation. Negative talk about a parent in front of the children, to other people or even on social media can also warn of one parent’s intent to alienate the other from the children.
Parents concerned about alienation due to high levels of conflict in their divorces may feel anxious after a canceled parenting session. They can potentially protect themselves and their bond with their children by documenting the cancellation and any other co-parenting issues.
If there is a pattern of canceled visits without attempts to allow for makeup parenting time, that can be a red flag for alienation. If a parent can convince a judge that a co-parent put their personal grudges ahead of the children’s needs, the judge might agree to enforce the custody order or even significantly modify the current custody order.
Discussing shared custody concerns with a family law attorney can help parents identify and fight back against acts of parental alienation. Parents who assert themselves can work to protect the relationship with their children that they treasure.
