If you are one of many Connecticut parents who recently filed for divorce, you might also be among those who are struggling to resolve child custody issues. When you decided to end your marriage in court, you no doubt expected the decision would have a significant impact on your children’s lives. What you might not have expected, however, was that your ex would systematically try to turn your kids against you.
Parental alienation is a serious problem in many child custody cases. It’s understandable you’d feel hurt and betrayed if the person you were once married to intentionally tried to impede your parent/child relationships. It’s critical that you have a clear understanding of your parental rights and that you know what to do to protect them.
The court has children’s best interests in mind
Regarding child custody, the Connecticut family court judge overseeing your case wants what is best for your kids. When you and your ex don’t agree on child-related issues, the court can intervene to make decisions. The court would also be greatly concerned if you were to show evidence that your co-parent is carrying out a parental alienation scheme.
Signs of alienation
Children often show signs of sadness or anger when their parents divorce. However, if you believe your kids are showing malice toward you or refusing to even speak to you, there might be more to it than natural child reactions to divorce. Someone might be filling their heads with lies about you. That someone might be your former spouse.
If your co-parent is constantly speaking negatively about you or is refusing to transfer custody at the agreed-upon place and time, you might have a parental alienation problem on your hands. Passive-aggressive comments, such as, “Your mom/dad is never on time because he/she doesn’t really care about you,” are red flag behaviors that suggest your co-parent may be trying to alienate your kids from you.
Aggressive alienation
Do you suspect that your ex is trying to spark fear in your children? If they suddenly seem nervous in your presence or are acting afraid to go places with you, you are wise to discuss the issue. Some parents tell their kids falsehoods to make them think being with their other parent will be a detriment to their safety.
The court knows how to discern
It’s a fact that a Connecticut court will sometimes restrict or prohibit a parent’s time with his or her children. If there’s evidence that a child’s safety or health is at risk, the court may deem such a decision necessary to protect the child’s best interests. However, lying about you to keep your kids from you as an act of revenge in divorce is a whole other issue.
The court will want to see evidence of any allegation you make against your ex regarding parental alienation. Do your homework if you plan to head to court. Know how to build as strong of a case as possible to stop your ex from undermining your parental rights.
