Oak Brook Parental Alienation Attorney Helping Preserve Your Parent-Child Bond

There is perhaps no greater pain for a parent than watching your relationship with your child erode due to the influence of your former partner. When one parent deliberately works to turn a child against the other parent, it creates a toxic environment with lasting emotional damage on all sides. This destructive behavior is known as parental alienation, and it is a serious issue that Illinois courts can address. At Goodman Law Firm, we understand that recognizing the signs of this problem and knowing your legal options are the first steps in protecting these precious relationships.

What is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent engages in consistent behavior to undermine, damage, or cut off a child’s relationship with the other parent. It is not simply a matter of hurt feelings or occasional negative comments. It is a persistent pattern of manipulative behavior intended to poison a child’s perception.

Common Signs of Parental Alienation

Alienating behaviors can be subtle or overt, but they all serve to drive a wedge between you and your child. Some of these include:

• Constant Criticism: The other parent consistently “bad-mouths” you to the child, blaming you for the divorce or personal problems.
• Limiting Contact: Your time with the child is frequently interfered with through canceled visits, unanswered calls, or fabricated excuses.
• Creating False Narratives: The alienating parent may lie about you, making you seem dangerous, uncaring, or unstable.
• Forcing the Child to Choose: The child is put in a position where they feel they must pick a side, leading to loyalty conflicts.
• Unjustified Fear or Anger: Your child begins to express fear, hostility, or anger toward you that seems unwarranted and echoes the other parent’s sentiments.

When these become a pattern, you may want to consider taking legal action to help preserve your relationship with your child.

Legal Remedies Under Illinois Law

Illinois law prioritizes a child’s right to have a healthy relationship with both parents. A parent’s effort to foster this relationship is a key factor judges consider when allocating parental responsibilities. When one parent actively works to destroy that bond, the court has several tools to intervene:

• Modification of Parenting Time: If alienation is proven, a judge can modify the existing parenting plan, potentially reducing the alienating parent’s time and increasing yours.
• Court-Ordered Therapy: The court may order family counseling or reunification therapy to help repair the damaged parent-child relationship.
• Appointment of a Guardian ad Litem (GAL): A GAL can be appointed to investigate the situation, interview the child and parents, and make recommendations to the court about the child’s best interests.
• Contempt of Court: If the alienating parent is violating a court order that requires them to foster a positive relationship, they can be held in contempt and face significant consequences.

While these legal actions can provide relief in situations where alienation is present, proving parental alienation can be challenging, requiring dedicated legal assistance.

Partner With an Experienced Attorney for Help

Confronting parental alienation can be incredibly difficult and requires a strategic and sensitive legal approach. At Goodman Law Firm, we have over two decades of experience in family law, helping parents protect their familial relationships. We will listen to your story with compassion and help you gather the necessary evidence to build a compelling case. Our role is to be your strongest advocate, presenting the facts to the court and fighting to implement legal remedies that stop the alienation and begin the healing process.

If your relationship with your child is suffering and you suspect parental alienation may be occurring, now is the time to get legal aid. Contact Goodman Law Firm for a confidential consultation to learn how we can help you fight for your child and your rights.