Parental Alienation in Florida: What You Should Know

Parental alienation can happen during a divorce or child custody case. It generally happens when one parent tries to hurt the child’s relationship with the other parent. For example, a parent may speak badly about the other parent or try to keep the child away from them.

These actions can complicate Florida custody cases. Florida courts make custody and time-sharing decisions based on what is best for the child. A judge may look at how each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent.

What Are Signs of Parental Alienation?

Not every problem between a child and a parent is caused by parental alienation. Children may pull away from a parent for many reasons. Still, certain actions may be warning signs.

Examples may include:

• Speaking badly about the other parent
• Blocking calls or messages
• Keeping the child from scheduled visits
• Asking the child to choose a parent
• Sharing details about the custody case with the child

A parent who sees these signs should focus on facts instead of making quick claims. Keeping good records can also help if the issue later comes before a judge.

How Does Florida Law Address Parental Alienation?

Florida law does not require a judge to call this behavior “parental alienation.” Instead, a judge can look at what each parent has done.

Under Florida Law, courts must look at several factors when making decisions about children. One factor is whether each parent will support a close relationship between the child and the other parent.

The court can also look at whether a parent keeps the child out of the parents’ legal fights. This includes not making harmful comments about the other parent to the child.

Can Parental Alienation Affect Time-Sharing?

Parental alienation may affect a Florida time-sharing case. A judge may consider whether one parent has tried to stop the child from having a healthy relationship with the other parent.

Florida law also gives courts ways to deal with a parent who does not follow a time-sharing plan. For example, a judge may order extra time with the other parent or require the parent who broke the order to pay certain costs.

The result will depend on the facts of each family’s case.

How Can You Show Parental Alienation?

Evidence can be important when a parent believes the other parent is harming their relationship with their child. A judge needs facts that show what has happened.

Helpful evidence may include text messages, emails, missed-visit records, and messages from parenting apps. Other people may also be able to tell the court what they saw or heard.

Keep records clear and organized. Write down important dates and events while they are still fresh in your mind. You should also keep following the current parenting plan unless the court changes it.

If you believe your child is in danger, talk with a lawyer about what steps you can take.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Parental Alienation?

Try to keep your child out of fights with the other parent. Do not ask your child to pick sides. You should also avoid speaking badly about the other parent in front of your child.

Save messages and keep track of missed visits or other problems. When possible, stay calm and polite when speaking with the other parent.

You may also want to talk with a Florida child custody lawyer. A lawyer can review what has happened and explain your choices. In some cases, it may be possible to ask the court to enforce or change a parenting plan.

Contact the Orlando Child Custody Attorneys at McMichen, Cinami & Demps for Help Today

Parental alienation can make a custody case harder for both parents and children in Florida. If you believe the other parent is hurting your relationship with your child, you may have legal options.

The Orlando child custody lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps can review your case and explain Florida law in clear terms when you call for a free consultation. They can also help you gather evidence and decide what steps to take next.

Contact the firm today at (407) 898-2161 to discuss your child custody case and learn how the firm may be able to help your family.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803