Parental alienation in Oklahoma refers to a situation in which one parent intentionally and systematically attempts to manipulate or undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent. This kind of behavior is a clear violation of proper conduct both parents agree upon in a family law case. Some behaviors can involve negative comments, false accusations, or other behaviors that aim to create a rift between the child and the targeted parent. The family law courts in Oklahoma frown on this kind of conduct. The court can punish the bad parent and can result in a change in custody. Parental alienation can be emotionally harmful to the child and can strain the parent-child relationship.
Custody Disputes and Parental Alienation
In custody disputes, parental alienation can be a significant factor that courts consider when making decisions about child custody. Courts typically prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. If one parent is engaging in actions that one could consider to be alienating behavior, it may impact the court’s decision regarding custody and visitation rights. In many cases this kind of behavior ends up in a change of custody from joint to sole custody.
Joint Custody With an Aggressive Parent
The family courts in Oklahoma prefer parents’ have equal access to their children. This refers to Joint child custody. This kind of custody involves both parent’s with equal access to their children and an equal say as to the way the children are raised. The court considers joint custody as the best interest of the child. In instances of parental alienation, joint custody becomes impossible. The reasons are easy to see while one parent constantly berates the parent to the children. This causes an environment where continuing joint custody is harmful to the children. If the courts findings show this, the Judge will make changes the custody thereby punishing the problem parent.
Proving Parental Alienation in Court
Courts may take various factors into account when assessing parental alienation, including:
- Evidence of alienating behaviors: Courts may consider specific actions or behaviors exhibited by one parent that contribute to the alienation of the child from the other parent. This could include negative comments, interference with visitation, or attempts to tarnish the other parent’s reputation.
- Impact on the child: The court may assess how the alienating behaviors are affecting the child’s emotional and psychological well-being. If the child is being negatively influenced or manipulated, it may weigh heavily in the court’s decision.
- Parental fitness: Courts will evaluate the overall fitness of each parent to determine who is better equipped to meet the child’s needs and provide a stable and nurturing environment.
- Willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent: Courts generally favor parents who demonstrate a willingness to facilitate and support the child’s relationship with the other parent. A parent actively engaged in alienating behavior may be viewed less favorably.
Child Alienation Attorneys in Tulsa
It’s important to note that the legal approach to parental alienation can vary between the different counties in Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, family courts aim to make decisions that serve the best interests of the child. This is never as easy as it seems. This is because family courts, more than other courts, rely on the Judges discretion and experience to identify bad parenting. If you are facing a situation involving parental alienation in a custody dispute, not just any attorney will do. It requires an aggressive custody attorney willing to call out the bad behavior in a way that can only be done by a team of attorneys that fight for you. Contact our custody attorneys at Tulsa Divorce Attorneys and Associates for a free consultation 539.302-0303. Or if you like click here to ask a legal question.