Parental Alienation in Fort Lauderdale: How It Can Impact Your Time-Sharing Case

When one parent manipulates or influences a child to turn against the other parent, the outcome can be devastating. In Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing proceedings, this is known as parental alienation.
While not formally defined under the Florida statutes, family courts recognize that alienating behavior can seriously impact a child’s well-being and may affect the relationship with the other parent for years afterward. If you are facing this troubling issue, our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer explains potential impacts on your case and how to protect your rights.
Recognizing Signs of Parental Alienation in Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Arrangements
Under the Florida Statutes, family courts generally encourage parents who are separated or getting a divorce to negotiate child time-sharing arrangements. This both allows and encourages each of the parties to stay active and engaged in the child’s life. However, conflicts between them can still linger under the surface, which can impact your child and your rights as a parent.
Parental alienation is common in these types of cases and happens when one parent attempts to turn the other against the child. Signs of parental alienation in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing cases can be subtle or obvious, and it often escalates during or after divorce proceedings. Here are some common ways it manifests:
- Sudden resistance to visitation: Your child unexpectedly refuses to see you without clear justification.
- Negative talk: The other parent allows or encourages the child to speak disrespectfully or negatively about you.
- False accusations: Your ex makes unfounded claims of abuse, neglect, or disinterest.
- Exclusion: You are cut off from school events, medical decisions, or everyday communication.
Florida family courts prioritize the best interests of the child in legal matters. Considering the potential harmful effects of parental alienation, it is a vital factor to consider when making parenting plans or requesting modifications.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Parental Alienation In Fort Lauderdale
Florida parenting plans dictate each parent’s rights and responsibilities in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing cases. If you believe the other parent is taking actions to alienate your child and turn them against you, take these steps:
- Document behavior: Keep records of missed visits, hostile communication, or changes in your child’s behavior.
- Request court intervention: A judge may modify the parenting plan or order reunification therapy.
- Hire a Guardian ad Litem: This neutral party can investigate the situation and make recommendations to the court.
- Seek counseling: A mental health professional can work with your child to undo the damage and rebuild trust.
Get Trusted Legal Help To Protect Child Time-Sharing Rights in Fort Lauderdale
Parental alienation in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing cases endangers the child and puts your relationship with them and your rights as a parent at risk. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, LLC, we provide the trusted legal help you need.
Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer takes the legal actions needed to put a stop to parental alienation. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf