Impact of Parental Alienation on Children Morris County NJ

Divorce and Child custody issues are some of the most complicated and impactful judgments made by the courts in Morristown, Morris, Chester and across Morris County .  The fiscal, and emotional futures of entire families often hang in the balance. Family law conflicts are rarely simple and often involve complicated legal matters that can be very intimidating to the average person.

The New Jersey divorce and family lawyers at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C., have the sophistication and skill to handle the most complex child custody issues. We are strongly committed to helping you resolve these issues in a way that allows you and your children the best possible enjoyment of your post-divorce-life. We can also assist you with temporary custody and parenting time orders during your divorce action to avoid the disruptions that the divorce process can often cause, as well as child custody and visitation modifications after your divorce is finalized. For additional information and to discuss your unique situation with one of our experienced attorneys, call 973-840-8970 for a free consultation.

Impact of Parental Alienation on Parents and Children in Divorce

A report from the American Community Survey found New Jersey among the lowest divorce rates in the United States and cities such as Morristown, Mendham, and Madison boast some of the lowest rates of marital separation in the nation.  However these statistics are little comfort for those who have gone through the ending of a marriage and the hard road that can follow. There are no easy answers or quick fixes.

The most difficult aspect of divorce for parents can be learning to move past prior marital conflict in order to achieve a healthy relationship between the children and an ex-spouse.

Often, in high conflict divorces, parents can forget how powerful their actions are and lose sight of how their behavior towards each other affects their children. No matter of how contentious the divorce can become, it is critical that parents keep children as far away from marital conflict as possible in order to avoid lasting and damaging emotional consequences for the children as well as legal consequences for the parent.

How is Parental Alienation Defined in Morristown?

Recently, New Jersey courts have been faced with an increasing number of custody cases involving parental alienation.  This is when one parent consciously or unconsciously undermines and interferes with the children’s relationships with the other parent.

The most common parental behaviors involving parental alienation include one parent attempting to hinder the other parent’s visitation by refusing to follow a custody schedule, intentionally scheduling activities for the children during the other parent’s time, discussing the divorce case with the children and disparaging the other parent in front of the children. Often children that have been alienated will refuse to spend time with one parent while mimicking the adult language of the alienating parent.

Tools to Combat Parental Alienation in Morris County NJ

However, there are legal tools to combat parental alienation. An increasing number of courts in New Jersey now identify and address custody cases involving parental alienation.

To determine the best interest of the children in regards to custody, courts look at many factors, including which parent is more likely to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact with the other parent, the attempts of a parent to turn the child against the other parent as well as the level of conflict between the parents and the ability of the parents to cooperate with each other.

Divorce is extremely difficult on any family and it is imperative that parents realize the effects that their actions and words can have on their children. It is important not to put each other down in front of the children or let the one parent prevent the other parent from spending quality time with the children.  Studies have shown that, in most circumstances, it is in the best interests of the child to maintain healthy and strong relationships with both parents.

Contact Our Morristown NJ Child Custody Lawyers for Answers

If you have an existing custody arrangement in Morris County, Chester, Morris Township, Chatham or any of the outlying areas, but feel you are the victim of intentional alienation, are currently involved in the divorce process or simply have questions or concerns about child custody, do not hesitate to call 973-840-8970 or send us an email to set up your free consultation.