If you are going through a divorce or trying to navigate a post-divorce co-parenting arrangement, you and your child’s other parent are not likely to see eye-to-eye on everything. Therefore, you may need to have some patience with his or her parenting style. Your child’s other parent should not try to destroy the good relationship you have with your son or daughter, though.
According to Psychology Today, parental alienation is a form of psychological child abuse, making it extremely dangerous for your child’s emotional well-being. If your child’s other parent tries to turn him or her against you, your mental health also is likely to decline.
The best interests of your child
Like in other states, New York law requires judges to evaluate the best interests of your child when making any child-related decisions. Fortunately, judges in the Empire State do not take kindly to parental alienation. If you have evidence of it, a judge may decide to change your custody agreement or take other steps to protect your parent-child relationship.
Meaningful evidence
Of course, before you can ask a judge to take action, you must have some proof of parental alienation, as your mere perceptions may not be sufficient. Therefore, you may want to gather the following pieces of meaningful evidence to bolster your case:
- A contemporaneous journal that records alienating behaviors
- Evaluations from doctors, social workers, teachers or others
- Text messages, voicemails and e-mails about alienating behaviors
- Statements from your child
Parental alienation has the potential to cause tremendous harm faster than you may think. Ultimately, by preparing a comprehensive record of your child’s other parent’s bad behaviors, you may increase your chances of maintaining a positive relationship with your son or daughter.