Signs Of Parental Alienation Syndrome

When parents separate or divorce, children often feel caught in the middle. Unfortunately, there are times when one parent may intentionally or subtly influence a child to reject the other parent. This behavior, commonly referred to as parental alienation, can have a deep emotional impact on the child and long-lasting effects on the parent-child relationship. As a family law attorney in Schaumburg, I’ve seen how painful and confusing this situation can be for parents who suddenly feel pushed away by their own children. If you’re noticing a change in how your child treats you during or after a divorce, it’s important to know that Illinois law provides legal remedies that can help address this problem.

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) isn’t officially recognized in every legal or psychological setting, but Illinois courts do take alienating behaviors seriously. Under Illinois law, the best interests of the child are the primary focus when courts decide parenting time and parental responsibilities. If a parent is actively trying to damage the relationship between a child and the other parent, the court may consider that behavior harmful and may change parenting time or modify other arrangements under 750 ILCS 5/600 et seq.

What Is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child into showing fear, anger, or disrespect toward the other parent. This manipulation can be intentional or happen over time through negative talk, exclusion, or other behavior that interferes with the child’s relationship with the other parent. The impact can be so severe that the child may eventually refuse to spend time with the targeted parent.

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act makes it clear that each parent is expected to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent, unless doing so would put the child in harm’s way. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b)(13), the court must consider each parent’s willingness to encourage a close relationship between the child and the other parent when making decisions about parenting time.

Common Signs Of Parental Alienation

Here are some of the red flags I often discuss with my clients:

The child begins to speak about the other parent using adult language or legal terms they wouldn’t normally understand.
The child refuses to visit the alienated parent without clear reason or suddenly expresses fear or anger with no history of abuse or neglect.
The alienating parent regularly cancels visits, interferes with phone calls, or prevents the child from communicating with the other parent.
The child shows unwavering support for one parent while strongly criticizing the other, even when there’s no logical basis for those opinions.
The alienating parent shares details about the divorce, court hearings, or financial conflicts with the child, turning them against the other parent.
The child feels guilty for spending time with the targeted parent or believes they must “choose sides.”

If you’re seeing these signs, it’s important to act quickly. The longer parental alienation continues, the harder it can be to repair the relationship.

Legal Remedies For Parental Alienation In Illinois

Under Illinois law, the court has authority to take action when it finds that one parent is interfering with the child’s relationship with the other. Depending on the situation, the court may:

Modify parenting time arrangements under 750 ILCS 5/610.5 if there is a substantial change in circumstances
Order family counseling or therapy to repair the relationship
Appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate and make recommendations
Impose sanctions on the alienating parent for violating court orders
Order makeup parenting time for lost visits

Illinois courts do not tolerate interference with parenting time. Under 750 ILCS 5/607.5, a parent who denies the other parent court-ordered time without good cause can be held in contempt and may be required to provide additional parenting time, pay attorney’s fees, or attend parenting classes.

Why Addressing Parental Alienation Early Matters

When left unchecked, parental alienation can affect a child’s emotional development, self-esteem, and ability to trust others. It can also create long-term damage between the child and the alienated parent. As attorneys, we work to bring these issues to the court’s attention quickly, using evidence such as communication records, testimony, parenting coordinators, and child psychologists when needed.

While every case is different, Illinois law gives us tools to act when a parent is undermining the child’s right to have a healthy relationship with both parents. If you believe you’re being alienated from your child, we’re here to help protect your relationship and take legal action where necessary.

Parental Alienation Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prove Parental Alienation In Court?

Proof may include texts, emails, witness statements, records of missed visits, or evidence that the child is using adult terms or showing extreme, unjustified hostility. A guardian ad litem or child therapist may also provide input.

Is Parental Alienation Considered Child Abuse In Illinois?

While not legally classified as abuse, parental alienation may be seen as emotional harm. If the court finds that one parent’s actions are damaging the child’s emotional well-being, it may impose serious consequences.

Can Parenting Time Be Changed If There’s Alienation?

Yes. Under Illinois law, the court can modify parenting time if it finds a substantial change in circumstances and believes the change is in the child’s best interests. Alienation may meet that standard.

Can The Court Order Therapy For The Child Or Parents?

Yes. Courts may order family therapy, individual counseling, or co-parenting education to address the damage caused by alienation and to repair the child’s relationship with both parents.

What Role Does A Guardian Ad Litem Play In These Cases?

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed by the court to represent the child’s best interests. The GAL investigates the family situation and makes recommendations to the court, which can be helpful in parental alienation cases.

Can A Parent Be Penalized For Causing Alienation?

Yes. The court can hold a parent in contempt, reduce their parenting time, or even modify decision-making responsibilities if it finds that they are interfering with the child’s bond with the other parent.

What Should I Do If I Think My Child Is Being Alienated From Me?

Document everything, follow the current court order, avoid reacting emotionally in front of your child, and consult an attorney immediately. Acting early increases your chances of stopping the behavior and protecting your relationship.

Call A Schaumburg Family Law Attorney Who Understands Parental Alienation

If you’re concerned that your child is being turned against you by the other parent, don’t wait to take legal action. At The Law Office of Fedor, we work with parents in Schaumburg and throughout the Chicago area to protect their relationships with their children and restore fairness in custody and parenting time disputes.

Contact our Chicago visitation attorney at (847) 241-1299 for exceptional legal help and to schedule a consultation. We’re here to support you and fight for your rights under Illinois law.