Parental Alienation Syndrome
“Parental alienation syndrome” (PAS) is a term coined by psychiatrist Richard A. Gardner in 1985. It describes a pattern of behavior in which one parent uses emotional manipulation to damage the relationship between his or her child and the other parent. It has not been officially recognized as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, but it has been discussed in many custody hearings.
Custody disputes can involve a wide variety of psychological, financial, and legal factors. If you are facing a battle for the custody of your child, you need an experienced and thorough Boca Raton child custody attorney to help you protect your rights. To schedule an initial legal consultation, call the offices of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. at 561-353-2800.
What Is PAS?
According to proponents of the theory, children may suffer from parental alienation syndrome when one of their parents has manipulated them into fearing or hating their other parent. The parent who uses such manipulation is known as the alienator in this theory. Alienators may use a range of techniques to manipulate their children, including:
- Insulting or mocking the other parent in the child’s presence
- Making false accusations against the other parent
- Preventing the child from spending time with the other parent
- Avoiding events that are important to the child if the other parent will be there
- Blaming the other parent for all problems that occur within the family
- Acting hurt or angry when the child wants to spend time with the other parent
Whether or not PAS exists as a psychiatric disorder, these destructive behaviors do occur in some families following a divorce. They can greatly complicate custody disputes and cause long-term damage to a child’s relationship with his or her parents. When parents divorce, it is vitally important for both to continue treating each other and their children with courtesy and respect.
Contact a Boca Raton Divorce Lawyer
In a divorce, nothing is more important than your child’s long-term health and happiness. If you need legal assistance securing a fair custody arrangement for your child, contact the Boca Raton divorce lawyer, Eric N. Klein, at 561-353-2800.
