Divorce and custody battles are tough enough. But when one parent actively tries to turn a child against the other, it crosses a critical line. In Texas, parental alienation is not just emotional warfare; it can have serious legal consequences.
If you suspect you are a victim of parental alienation, or if you are worried about how your child’s behavior is changing, this guide will give you the tools to recognize it early and take smart, powerful action.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent consciously (or sometimes unconsciously) influences a child to reject, fear, or resent the other parent. It’s a form of emotional manipulation that can deeply harm the child’s mental and emotional health and fracture the parent-child bond.
Common Signs of Parental Alienation:
- Your child suddenly and unjustifiably criticizes you.
- Your child seems to use “adult” language or arguments they would not have come up with on their own.
- One parent refuses to share important information (school events, doctor visits).
- Frequent cancellations of your visitation time.
- The child seems to have knowledge of court proceedings or adult matters they should not know about.
Why Is Parental Alienation So Serious?
Parental alienation does not just hurt the targeted parent; it hurts the child. Children caught in this situation often experience: anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, trust issues in future relationships, identity confusion
Texas family courts take allegations of parental alienation very seriously because preserving strong bonds with both parents is typically considered in the child’s best interests (Texas Family Code § 153.001).
How Texas Courts Address Parental Alienation
If you bring credible evidence of parental alienation to court, a Texas judge can: modify custody and possession orders, appoint a guardian ad litem or amicus attorney to represent the child’s interests, order counseling for the child and/or parents, impose sanctions on the alienating parent
Steps You Can Take to Fight Back
- Document Everything
- Save texts, emails, and voicemails.
- Keep a journal of missed visits, odd child behavior, and any concerning interactions.
- Stay Calm and Consistent
- Resist the urge to “fight fire with fire.”
- Maintain a positive, loving attitude toward your child.
- Seek Professional Help
- A child therapist can identify alienation behaviors and testify in court.
- Family law attorneys experienced in alienation cases can help craft a strategy.
- Act Quickly
- Time is critical. The longer alienation persists, the deeper the emotional damage.
How can we assist?
Parental alienation is devastating, but it is not invisible to Texas courts. If you believe your relationship with your child is under attack, do not wait for things to “fix themselves.” Early action backed by strong documentation, professional support, and skilled legal advocacy can make all the difference. Fighting parental alienation is not about revenge; it’s about protecting your child’s right to love and be loved by both parents.
At our firm, we have extensive experience assisting clients with divorce cases. Our team includes a board-certified family law attorney, with advanced business degrees, and a specialist in negotiation and mediation. Contact us at 832-538-0833 to schedule a consultation and get personalized legal advice on your situation.