Family Law Lawyer in Vaughan, GTA.

What Is Parental Alienation?

This is general information and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Contact a family law lawyer to understand your rights and obligations.

Separation and divorce are difficult experiences for any family, especially when children are involved. One of the most concerning and often misunderstood consequences of a high-conflict separation is parental alienation.

Parental alienation is more than just hostility between parents, it involves deliberate behaviours that damage or sever the relationship between a child and the other parent.

Understanding Parental Alienation

Parental alienation refers to a set of behaviours by one parent (or another influential figure, such as a stepparent or grandparent) that intentionally interferes with the child’s relationship with the other parent. The goal of the alienating parent is often to control, manipulate, or completely sever the child’s bond with the targeted (alienated) parent.

It's important to note that these behaviours can occur even in the absence of abuse or domestic violence, and they often fly under the radar until significant damage is done.

Examples of Alienating Behaviour

Parental alienation can manifest in various subtle, or not-so-subtle ways. Common examples include:

• Intentionally scheduling conflicting or “fun” activities during the other parent’s parenting time.

• Making false or exaggerated allegations of abuse to authorities like the Children’s Aid Society.

• Inducing guilt in the child for spending time with the other parent.

• Telling the child the other parent doesn’t love or care about them.

• Spreading gossip or secrets about the other parent within earshot of the child.

• Interfering with parenting time by cancelling, blocking, or interrupting visits.

  
  

These behaviours can be emotionally manipulative and damaging to both the child and the alienated parent.

Non-Alienating Behaviour

In contrast, healthy parenting after separation involves:

• Supporting the child’s relationship with the other parent.

• Complying with court-ordered parenting arrangements.

• Maintaining neutral communication about the other parent in front of the child.

• 
  

Fostering cooperation and respect between co-parents, even in challenging circumstances, helps children adjust to family transitions more successfully.

Impact on Children

The most devastating consequences of parental alienation are often felt by the children involved. When alienation continues over time, it can lead to what is known as Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)—a term introduced by psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Gardner.

Children experiencing PAS may:

• Display intense anger or tantrums toward the alienated parent.

• Offer unquestioning support for the alienating parent.

• Reject the alienated parent and their extended family.

• Criticize or vilify the alienated parent in ways that seem rehearsed or disproportionate

  
  

Long-Term Psychological Effects

Alienation doesn’t just affect the child in the short term. Research shows that children who are exposed to parental alienation are at greater risk of developing serious emotional and psychological issues later in life, including:

• Depression and anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Trust and relationship difficulties

• Substance abuse

• Chronic feelings of abandonment

  
  

These effects can last well into adulthood and impact the child's ability to form healthy relationships of their own.

What Can Be Done?

If you believe you are being alienated from your child, or if you’re concerned about the emotional wellbeing of your children during a separation, it’s critical to act early. Courts in Ontario take parental alienation seriously, and there are legal remedies available to help protect the child’s best interests.

Seeking Legal Support

At Majoka Law, we understand how painful and complex parental alienation cases can be. We’re here to help you understand your legal rights, advocate for your relationship with your child, and work towards a resolution that puts the child’s emotional health first.

If you're facing parental alienation or any other family law concern, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.