Livingston Child Alienation Lawyer

When a couple goes through a divorce, it can be particularly hard on their children. In some unfortunate situations, one parent may try to manipulate their children into favoring them by saying negative things or developing a narrative about the other parent. This tactic, known as child alienation, may be achieved through lies or exaggerations. If you have reason to believe that your children are being manipulated in this way, contact the experienced family attorneys at our firm. One of our Livingston child alienation lawyers could work to protect your parental custody rights and achieve an outcome that is best for you and your children.

New Jersey Child Custody Considerations

In general, New Jersey law considers having a relationship with both parents to be in a child’s best interests and often establishes shared responsibilities in custody cases. However, there are numerous other factors at play for determining how a child custody dispute will play out.

How Child Alienation May Affect Custody Determinations in Livingston

If parents cannot come to an agreement regarding child custody, a court can make a determination after hearing the arguments of each side. In some cases, a guardian ad litem may be appointed to argue in the child’s best interests.

Factors that a court will consider in a child custody determination include:

• The ability of the parents to care for the child
• Any history of domestic violence
• The quality of the child’s relationship to their parents
• The proximity of the parents to one another
• The proximity of the parents to the child’s school
• The parents’ work responsibilities
• The ability of the parents to cooperate
• The child’s wishes (if they are of a certain age)

In situations where child alienation is occurring, the ability of the parents to cooperate may be called into question. If the child expresses a desire to live with the parent who is manipulating them or alienating them from the other parent, a skilled local attorney could provide crucial support in court by arguing the facts and presenting relevant evidence.

Signs of Child Alienation

It can be difficult to collect evidence of child alienation, but there are certain indicators to look out for. A child may be the target of alienation if they:

• Do not want to interact with one of the parents
• Are inexplicably rude to a parent
• Begin to view the world more in black and white terms
• Say bad things about one of the parents to other people
• Favor one parent over the other for no obvious reason

If a parent suspects that child alienation may be occurring, or if their co-parent is concealing their child from them, a well-practiced Livingston attorney could offer useful legal support.

Reach Out to a Livingston Child Alienation Attorney

Child custody issues are some of the tensest legal battles. Situations involving child alienation are often emotional, so it may be useful to have an ally who can focus on the legal proceedings in your corner. Work with a Livingston child alienation lawyer who can advocate for your parental rights. You and your children deserve trustworthy representation, so call now to schedule a consultation.