How The Florida Courts Handle Claims Of Parental Alienation In Fort Lauderdale

Few experiences are more painful than watching your child pull away, especially if your ex is the one influencing their behavior. Parental alienation in Broward County happens when one parent manipulates or pressures a child to reject the other, often during or after custody disputes.

These situations are emotionally devastating and legally complex. If you believe your co-parent is turning your child against you, our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains how the Florida courts handle the situation and steps you can take to protect your relationship.

What Counts as Parental Alienation in Florida?

Florida family court judges make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, as outlined under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes. Judges expect both parties to cooperate and support the relationship with the other parent.

Parental alienation happens when one intentionally tries to damage that bond, and it can have a major impact on Broward County child custody proceedings. Common signs of parental alienation include:

• When one parent constantly criticizes or blames the other in front of the child.
• Interference with visits, such as missed drop-offs, canceled visits, or “forgotten” phone calls that keep the child away.
• Emotional manipulation, such as pressuring the child to choose sides or rewarding them for rejecting the other parent.
• False allegations of abuse or neglect made to gain an advantage in custody disputes.
• Discouraging the child from contacting the other parent or extended family.

These and other types of alienating behaviors harm children by creating guilt, anxiety, and fractured family relationships.

How the Broward County Family Court Handles Parental Alienation

To prove parental alienation in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward County Family Court requires evidence of a pattern of behavior that harms the child’s emotional or mental well-being. Here’s how they typically address it:

• Judges may order a psychological or custody evaluation to assess each parent’s behavior and the child’s emotional state.
• The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the child and report findings.
• Counseling or other therapy may be ordered to repair damaged parent-child relationships.
• If alienation is proven, the court can adjust custody, sometimes even granting primary custody to the targeted parent.
• Repeated interference with time-sharing can result in contempt of court or the loss of parenting privileges.

Judges take these claims seriously but balance them against the need to protect children from real abuse or instability. Having solid evidence, such as messages, recordings, and witness statements, can make a powerful difference.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney To Protect Your Relationship With Your Child

Parental alienation can leave you feeling helpless, but you have legal options. The sooner you take action, the better your chance of repairing the relationship and protecting your parenting rights.

At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we help Broward County parents gather evidence, request court interventions, and rebuild connections with their children. Don’t wait for the bond to weaken further. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family