How Can I Prove Parental Alienation is Happening to Me?

 Posted on February 13, 2025 in Family Law

Divorce for parents can be a complicated emotional process to go through. It can be hard to filter out information for your children so they understand the facts of what is happening without feeling the need to take sides. Unfortunately, some parents can be vindictive during their divorce and purposely turn their child against the other parent. Illinois courts take this very seriously, even going so far as to consider it a form of child abuse. If you think you might be a victim of parental alienation, speak with a seasoned Illinois family law attorney who can explain how these concerns can be addressed legally.

How Can I Identify Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation can be hard to identify, especially if your children are angry that you are getting a divorce and might be acting out anyway. However, parental alienation can be particularly harmful to a child’s emotional well-being so it is important to look out for some common signs that it is happening.

If your child is expressing unjustified fear or anger only toward you and not the other parent or refuses to spend time with you or communicate with you and insists on only speaking to the other parent, especially if you have a solid relationship previously, this might indicate that parental alienation is happening. Other telltale signs are if your child repeats accusations against you that he or she heard from the other parent, or if you have proof that the other parent is badmouthing you to your child.

Do I Have Any Legal Options To Address Parental Alienation?

If you can provide sufficient evidence of parental alienation, the court can address it in several ways. First, it could order therapy for the child, for the other parent who was alienating the child, or for both parents. The court might also take an active role in enforcing your visitation orders, using its authority to impose penalties if your child’s other parent is obstructing your rights. Last, the court can modify your custody or visitation orders, potentially reducing the amount of time the alienating parent can spend with your child or even granting you full custody.

How Can I Prove Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation is mainly a form of psychological manipulation and can often be the result of repeated derogatory comments and facial expressions, so it can be hard to prove. However, if it is happening to you, you want to build as strong a case as possible so you can put a stop to it. 

Documentation

Save records of your communication with your child and the other parent. Keep emails and texts and keep track of any time your visitation schedule was not honored.

Witness Testimony

Anyone who has seen or heard the behavior you are concerned about can provide testimony. Family members, friends, your child’s teachers, or anyone else who has been exposed to the alienating parent’s actions can offer valuable support for your claims. The judge might also want to speak to your child in chambers or out of court, to understand what he or she has experienced.

Contact an Illinois Parental Alienation Lawyer

If your child’s other parent is damaging your parental relationship through manipulation, speak with a qualified Lombard, IL family law attorney to understand your options. At A. Traub & Associates, we have experience helping families overcome painful and challenging periods, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights and getting you the outcome you deserve. Call 630-426-0196 to hear more about how we can assist you.