In Michigan and across the United States, divorce is troublingly common. Recent events have increased the number of people who are considering it or moving forward with a divorce. In some cases, the parties can come to an amicable agreement and part ways. In others, it is more difficult. If children are involved and there is a custody dispute, it can be especially challenging. In extreme cases, parental alienation is a source of concern. This can result from statements and behaviors, but false accusations are a frequent catalyst for it. Understanding and addressing this is imperative as the case proceeds.
Spotting parental alienation and determining the validity of allegations
False accusations are among the worst types of behavior that can happen in a divorce. Abuse is such a problem and can damage a person’s relationship with the child and their reputation in the community that saying it occurred when it did not is a toxic form of parental alienation. Statistically, the number of false accusations of abuse can range from 2% to 35% of cases. Even when it is shown to be false, damage can still be inflicted. Since parents rarely own up to making false accusations, it is difficult to gauge its accuracy as it might be a case of he said/she said.
Parental alienation is exacerbated if the child is coerced to go along with the parent’s accusations even if they are untrue. Judges could be tilted in a certain direction even if there is little evidence to prove that abuse took place. Parents can be assessed by psychological professionals to get to the root of the problem and know why they sought to alienate the other parent.
Experts say that the parent could use this strategy out of fear that the child will have more love for the other parent and prefer living with him or her; the parent wants the child as their own; there is an attempt to exact revenge on the other parent for initiating the divorce; there are personality conflicts; the parent believes the child is better off with him or her; and there might be a new romance with the chance of a stepparent.
Having experienced help can address parental alienation
Obviously, this can damage the child and inhibit a reasonable outcome in the divorce. As parents engage in contentious discord over children in a divorce, there is a possibility that desperation will take hold and allegations that are either exaggerated or outright false will be made. To find solutions and ensure that parental alienation is stopped, it is imperative to have professional guidance. Contacting experts in this area is essential, particularly when there are accusations of abuse.