Negotiating Custody Arrangements In Fort Lauderdale? Parental Alienation A Common Problem Over The Holidays

Children look forward to the holidays. Between festive events, elaborate feasts, and fun times with their family and friends, it is no wonder it is often their favorite time of year. However, if you are a parent going through a divorce or separation, you may be worried about the situation and how it will impact your child. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains how parental alienation is a common problem at this time of year.

Parental Alienation In Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Cases

When parents get divorced or otherwise choose to separately and apart, child custody is often a hotly contested issue. The Florida Courts generally encourage parenting plans, which ensure both parents continue to remain involved in the child’s life.  Parenting plans dictate the terms of custody and visitation, which include each parent’s rights regarding holidays and other special occasions. It requires both parties to work together to protect the child’s best interests. Unfortunately, it does not always work out that way.

Under the Florida Statutes, parental alienation happens when one parent attempts to turn the child against the other parent. It is an unfortunately common problem, and the holidays are one of the times it is most likely to happen. It may include:

• Blaming you for the breakup and telling the child you are the reason you are not together as a family this season;
• Encouraging the child to act out and misbehave when in your care;
• Attempting to outdo you in terms of gifts, effectively bribing the child with extravagant purchases;
• Blaming you for missing certain events, rather than acknowledging the terms of the parenting plan.

How To Deal With Parental Alienation Over The Holidays

Parental alienation is a very serious problem that can potentially endanger your rights and the relationship between you and your child. Fortunately, attempting to portray you as a villain or otherwise turn the child against you goes against the terms of most Fort Lauderdale child custody orders. Here is how to deal with the situation:

• Document the other parent’s actions and how they are undermining your child;
• Speak with them when your child is not present and let them know not only is their behavior disrespectful, but it violates the terms of your parenting plan;
• Consult our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney to discuss your legal options;
• Consider requesting modifications to your custody order, limiting the other parent’s access to the child until parental alienation stops.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney Today

Parental alienation is a serious problem and often happens over the holidays. If the other parent is trying to turn your child against you or otherwise engaging in harmful behavior, it is important to know you have legal rights.

Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney Sandra Bonfiglio can advise you on the options available, such as requesting modifications to your parenting plan. To schedule a consultation, give us a call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0787/Sections/0787.03.html