Sugar Land Parent Alienation Lawyer 

Protecting Parental Bonds in Texas

Children who are exposed to high-conflict divorce may begin to display emotional detachment from one or both parents. This may be exacerbated by one parent actively attempting to build ill will in a child’s mind against the other parent. This is known as parental alienation syndrome (PAS), and it can occur during divorce proceedings or after a divorce is final.

If criticism of the other parent is prolonged or particularly severe, the effects can be heartbreaking and irreversible. A child may begin to express a strong hatred toward the other parent. The result can be tragic for all concerned.

Get expert legal guidance from a Sugar Land parent alienation lawyer. Call now at (281) 962-7738 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

How to Identify Parental Alienation?

Warning signs of parental alienation include:

• One parent continuously degrades the other parent.
• The alienated parent is made to be the scapegoat for everything.
• The child excessively insults and disrespects the alienated parent.
• The child completely supports the alienating parent.
• The child feels guilty whenever he or she expresses love toward the alienated parent.
• The child fears being rejected by the programmer or alienator.
• The child is also poisoned against his or her therapist.
• The child gives frivolous reasons as to why he or she doesn’t want to see the alienated parent.
• The child calls the alienated parent a liar or other hurtful names.

Parental alienation is considered a form of child abuse. At the Tracton Law Firm, PLLC, in Sugar Land, Texas, I have experience working with occurrences of parental alienation. If you feel your relationship with your child is being impacted by parental alienation, I can take immediate legal action to reverse the abusive behavior.

I will petition the court to allow you and your child to attend therapy to repair your relationship. If appropriate, I will ask the court for a full psychological evaluation of all parties — you, the alienating parent and your child — to determine whether there has been an undue influence on the child to act in a certain manner.

What are the Legal Consequences of Parental Alienation in Texas?

Parental alienation is a serious issue in family law cases, especially where child custody and visitation are involved. In Texas, the courts are focused on the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. If parental alienation is proven, it can significantly influence the outcome of your case. The courts may intervene and adjust custody orders to protect the child’s relationship with both parents.

Texas family courts recognize that both parents play a vital role in a child’s development and well-being. When one parent intentionally seeks to undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent, it is viewed as detrimental to the child’s emotional health and overall stability.

In cases of parental alienation, the courts may take several steps to remedy the situation:

• Modification of Custody Orders: If one parent is engaging in alienating behaviors, a Sugar Land parent alienation lawyer can help you file a petition for modification of the custody order. The court may change visitation or primary custody to ensure the child has a balanced and healthy relationship with both parents.
• Therapeutic Intervention: In some cases, the court may order counseling or therapy for the child, the alienating parent, or both. Counseling can help the child address the emotional distress caused by the alienation and help repair the relationship with the targeted parent.
• Supervised Visitation: In extreme cases where the alienation is severe and the child is rejecting one parent entirely, the court may order supervised visitation. This allows the child to rebuild their relationship with the targeted parent under a controlled environment, which may also involve a neutral third-party supervisor.
• Contempt of Court: If the alienating parent is found to be deliberately preventing visitation or communication with the child, they may be held in contempt of court. This can lead to penalties such as fines, loss of custody rights, or other legal consequences.

In order to establish parental alienation and pursue these legal remedies, it is critical to have an experienced Sugar Land parent alienation attorney on your side. They can help gather evidence, such as documentation, witness testimony, and expert opinions, to prove that alienation is taking place and take the necessary legal steps to address the issue.

How to Handle Parental Alienation in Texas?

Dealing with parental alienation can be an emotionally challenging experience. The first priority should always be the well-being of your child. While it is important to act decisively, it’s equally crucial to avoid exacerbating the situation through retaliatory behavior or aggression. 

Here are some ways to effectively address parental alienation:

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any incidents of alienation. This can include emails, text messages, phone calls, or any other form of communication that demonstrates the alienating behaviors. This documentation can be valuable in court to prove that parental alienation is occurring.
• Avoid Arguing in Front of the Child: It’s essential to refrain from badmouthing the other parent in front of the child. Even if you are frustrated, avoid using the child as a messenger or talking negatively about the other parent. Children are sensitive and can easily internalize these remarks, which may further alienate them from the other parent.
• Stay Calm and Consistent: It’s important to remain calm and patient throughout the process. If you’re faced with a child who is resisting visitation or communication, continue to follow the court orders and demonstrate a consistent, positive presence. The child may eventually come to see that the other parent’s behavior is not acceptable.
• Seek Therapy or Counseling: If parental alienation is affecting the child’s emotional well-being, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Therapy can help the child process their emotions and help both parents learn how to cope with the situation.
• Work with a Sugar Land Parent Alienation Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of parental alienation cases. They can provide you with strategic advice, represent your interests in court, and ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for you and your child.

What to Do in Cases of Parental Alienation?

If you believe your child is being alienated from you, it’s important to take swift action. In Texas, the legal process can be time-consuming, so it’s important to gather evidence and present your case effectively. 

If the alienating behavior is causing harm to your relationship with your child, you may need to petition the court for a modification of the custody or visitation agreement. Your attorney will help you present a compelling case for a change in the arrangement based on parental alienation.

Many family courts in Texas require mediation before proceeding to a hearing. Mediation can help resolve the issue of parental alienation without the need for a trial. However, if mediation does not work, your lawyer in Sugar Land can represent you in court and present your case before a judge.

In some cases, the court may order counseling for the child or both parents. Therapy can help address the emotional impact of parental alienation and assist in repairing the damaged relationship between the child and the alienated parent.

Take Action Against Parental Alienation 

Alienation of a parent is a complicated topic involving numerous variables. It is imperative to discuss your concerns with an experienced Sugar Land parental alienation lawyer as soon as possible.

Call (281) 962-7738 or email me to schedule an appointment.