If you’re involved in a Connecticut divorce or custody case, you may be tempted to describe the other parent’s behavior as parental alienation in a Connecticut custody case. While the term is widely used online and on social media, it remains highly controversial in Connecticut family courts. In many situations, raising it can do more harm than good.
Below, we explain why—and how to present your concerns in a clearer, more effective way.
Contact our talented divorce attorneys today for a free consultation.
The first major issue is confusion around terminology. There are two different concepts: parental alienation and parental alienation syndrome, and they are not the same thing.
Parental Alienation (Behavior by a Parent)
Parental alienation refers to one parent’s conduct. This may include:
This concept focuses on what the parent is doing.
Parental alienation syndrome is a claimed psychological condition said to occur in children who have been subjected to alienating behavior.
However, this “syndrome” is not recognized by the American Psychological Association and has been heavily criticized by many legal and mental health experts. Its scientific validity is not universally accepted.
Because of this, Connecticut judges tend to treat references to “parental alienation syndrome” with skepticism.
Connecticut family courts have seen some extremely contentious cases involving allegations of parental alienation and parental alienation syndrome. Some of these matters involved multi-week trials, high-conflict litigation, and competing experts. These cases have left many judges with a negative impression of alienation claims generally.
Fairly or unfairly, parents who raise alienation claims are sometimes viewed as:
Because judges have wide discretion in custody matters, it can be risky to rely on a controversial or polarizing label.
If the other parent is acting in a manipulative, abusive, or undermining way, the strongest approach is usually the most straightforward:
Describe the behavior itself.
Provide detailed, factual examples such as:
Courts are more receptive to concrete behavior than to emotional labels or controversial psychological terms.
If a diagnosis is appropriate, rely on a professional.
If you truly believe significant mental health issues are involved, the proper route is to seek a psychological evaluation. A qualified mental health professional, not a litigant, should make any clinical diagnosis.
In a Connecticut custody case, presenting yourself as reasonable, measured, and child-focused is crucial—especially when concerns arise about parental alienation in a Connecticut custody case. For most parents, avoiding charged buzzwords like parental alienation and parental alienation syndrome is not only advisable, it is often essential.
Instead, focus on the facts, document specific behaviors, and rely on established, widely accepted legal and psychological concepts rather than controversial or unrecognized labels.
If you have questions about your specific situation or are seeking guidance in a Connecticut family law matter, we invite you to contact our office to discuss your options.
N/a
