Protecting Your Teen From Parental Alienation This Summer: A Georgia Family Lawyer’s Guide

In the ideal situation, when parents divorce, both provide quality care and support for their child, without making negative remarks against the other parent. Yet, every situation is vastly different, and it is quite common for one parent to make hurtful statements to the child about the other. That could mean you are facing parental alienation in Georgia.

At Attorney Sharon Jackson, LLC, we help families work through challenges and help those who are not treated fairly to get resolutions. Contact us if your teen could be experiencing parental alienation.

What Is Teen Parental Alienation? And How To Prevent Teen Parental Alienation

Georgia family courts recognize parental alienation as some type of emotional abuse or another factor that causes harm to a child’s relationship with the other parent. While Georgia law does not define this specifically, the courts will recognize it as one parent’s actions or statements used to manipulate the child’s opinion of the other parent. This is often done to cause the teen to reject, fear, or disrespect the other parent.

This type of situation can arise with summer visitation conflict or in any situation where the teen spends more time with one parent. If a teen is scheduled to spend time with their father under custody agreements, but the teen wants to be with friends, statements from the mother, such as “Well, if you didn’t have to see your father…” could be applicable. It does not have to be specific, hate-filled words to reach the level of alienation.

What makes this more challenging in teens is that they are so vulnerable at this age. They are facing some of the most intense emotional development, striving for independence, and often battling peer influence. This can make it more challenging for either parent to navigate child custody matters.

Warning Signs of Alienation

It is not always obvious that this is occurring. However, some of the signs of parental alienation you should watch for – and react to appropriately but quickly – include:

• The teen suddenly pulls back from one parent. They may show hostility toward you without any clear reason why. Any sudden change like this could indicate a negative influence.
• Repeating negative phrases, often verbatim, that the other parent states. This type of echoing of the other parent means that the child has heard their parent make such statements in many cases.
• Refusing visitation, not communicating, or otherwise making child custody issues more complex than they have been in the past.

It is important to remember that not every teenager who acts out about visitation has been negatively influenced by a parent. Yet, when you see such signs, it may be time to get more information to determine what may be going on.

Why Summer Break Increases the Risk

During summer break, children often spend more time with each parent. Instead of once or twice a week, they may spend an entire week or more at the parents’ home. These longer, unsupervised visits can lead to manipulation or subtle undermining. It can be very frustrating to the other parent when you start to see these signs.

Also note that teens may be isolated from their traditional support network and their regular routines when they are not following the typical school-year schedule. That increases their frustration, which can drive more dramatic outcomes and reactions to situations.

Keep in mind that, as a parent, protecting a teen from a toxic co-parent is your right. However, you must still follow the directives set by the family court. If there is a high risk of injury, report that to the court immediately.

How Georgia Courts View Parental Alienation

Teen custody issues in GA are not uncommon. However, it is critical to understand how the court sees and will respond to these accusations.

A judge has the legal obligation to do what is in the child’s best interest. That typically begins from a point where each parent is equally involved and supported in their role. Yet, when there are signs of parental alienation or other worrisome situations, the judge has the right to step in and alter agreements to minimize that risk.

It is possible that alienating behavior can impact custody modifications. For example, if you want to spend more time with your child and have the teen’s custody arrangement changed, but the court believes you have been alienating the child from the other parent, the court may determine that you cannot have additional time.

Also, note that the burden of proof of these situations is on your shoulders. There are various ways that this can be documented, though. For example, if your child is sending you text messages using the same language and statements that the other parent is making, save those images as evidence. Document any factors that seem to be putting you at risk. Then, contact a Georgia custody modification attorney for help.

What You Can Do as a Parent

There are several steps you should take if you believe this is occurring:

• Maintain your calm. Communicate openly with your teen about their feelings and statements.
• Keep notices of these concerning behaviors and conversations. Document all missed visits.
• Avoid retaliation. That means you should not speak badly about the other parent.

In most situations, you should seek a Gwinnett County child custody lawyer right away to protect your rights.

Legal Steps You Can Take If You Feel Your Ex Is Alienating Your Child Against You

In these situations, consider your legal options:

• File a petition to modify custody based on ongoing and harmful alienation by the other parent
• Request a court-ordered reunification therapy session or counseling program
• Seek help from a family lawyer to assess the situation

When to Talk to a Georgia Family Law Attorney

We recommend contacting our family law attorney immediately if you believe parental alienation is occurring. That includes situations where the child is refusing court-ordered visits, there is a communication breakdown, or the other parent is violating the custody agreement.

At Attorney Sharon Jackson, LLC, we are here to help you today. Do not wait to contact us by calling (678) 436-3636 to discuss your rights.

FAQs About Parental Alienation in Child Custody Cases

What evidence can I use to prove parental alienation?

Document anything you have, such as missed visits, statements made during, before, or after visits, and any communication that shows why this is occurring.

Is parental alienation abuse?

Parental alienation is considered a type of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse.

Is it worth fighting parental alienation?

You have the right to maintain a relationship with your child. If you believe this is happening, seek a lawyer.

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