Clinton Township Parental Alienation Lawyers

Co-parenting after a separation or divorce is rarely simple, but most parents strive to put their differences aside for the sake of their children. However, in some high-conflict custody disputes, one parent may actively try to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent. This is known as parental alienation, and it can become a heartbreaking reality for many families.

At Iafrate & Salassa, P.C., we understand how devastating it is to watch your bond with your child deteriorate because of another person’s manipulation. Our compassionate Clinton Township family law lawyers are here to help you identify these behaviors and take legal action to protect your relationship with your child.

What Can Parental Alienation Look Like?

Parental alienation isn’t always obvious at first, often starting subtly and escalating over time. It typically involves one parent engaging in behaviors designed to distance the child from the other parent, often making the child feel fearful, angry, or indifferent toward them without justification.

Common behaviors of the other parent that may indicate parental alienation include:

• Continual disparaging remarks
• Interference with communication
• Limiting or refusing to comply with parenting time
• Discussing financial or legal issues with the child
• Undermining the other parent’s authority

If you notice your child parroting adult language or expressing sudden, unexplained hostility toward you, it may be a sign of alienation.

Why Addressing Parental Alienation Matters

The impact of parental alienation goes far beyond a difficult custody battle. At its core, it deprives a child of the love, guidance, and support of two capable parents. Children caught in the middle of these struggles may feel forced to “choose a side,” leading to guilt and confusion that can last into adulthood.

As a targeted parent, you may feel helpless as you notice your child withdraw, but it is critical to address these issues immediately. Michigan courts take the “best interests of the child” very seriously, and a child’s need for a healthy relationship with both parents is a key factor in custody determinations.

The Role of a Lawyer in Addressing Alienation

Proving parental alienation requires a strategic legal approach. Because the behaviors can be subtle or manipulative, you need an experienced lawyer who knows how to document the pattern of behavior and present it effectively to the court.

Our team at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. can help you by:

1. Documenting the alienation: We help you gather evidence, such as written communication, records of missed visitation, and witness statements.
2. Involving professionals: In severe cases, we may recommend involving psychologists or custody evaluators who can identify alienation dynamics.
3. Enforcing court orders: If the other parent is violating parenting time orders, we can file motions to enforce your rights and hold them accountable.
4. Modifying custody: In some cases, the court may determine that a change in custody is necessary to protect the child’s emotional well-being.

We are here to support you through these difficult circumstances both legally and emotionally.

Helping You Protect Your Bond With Your Child

You do not have to face this painful struggle alone. If you suspect parental alienation is affecting your family, the lawyers at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. are ready to advocate for you. We provide the empathetic support and aggressive representation needed to help you restore your relationship with your child.

Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation. Let us help you fight for your family’s future.