Parental Alienation Attorneys in Chicago

The end of a relationship is difficult, but when children are involved, navigating the path forward requires care and respect. Unfortunately, some co-parenting situations become toxic, and one parent may try to damage the child’s relationship with the other. This devastating behavior is known as parental alienation, and it can have lasting emotional consequences for both the targeted parent and the child. At Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC, we understand the pain this causes, and we are here to provide the compassionate legal support you need to protect your most important relationships.

What is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent actively works to turn a child against the other parent. It is a deliberate campaign of manipulation that undermines the child’s natural love and respect for the targeted parent, creating unwarranted fear, hostility, or rejection. This is not the same as a child naturally siding with one parent after a conflict; rather, it involves a consistent pattern of harmful behaviors.

Recognizing the signs of parental alienation is the first step toward addressing it. Common signs include:

The child repeating negative phrases or complaints about you that sound rehearsed or like they came from an adult.
Your child’s relationship with you changing dramatically, with little or no logical explanation.
The other parent consistently interfering with your parenting time or communication with your child.
The other parent sharing inappropriate details about the divorce or making false accusations about you to the child.
The child showing a lack of guilt about their negative behavior toward you and offering weak or irrational reasons for their anger.

What to Do If You Suspect Parental Alienation

If you believe you are a victim of parental alienation, it is crucial to act thoughtfully and strategically. The emotional toll can be immense, but responding with anger can often make the situation worse. Your primary goal is to protect your child’s well-being and preserve your relationship with them. Consider taking calm, documented steps to address the issue, such as keeping a detailed journal of incidents and focusing on positive interactions during your parenting time.

Legally, parental alienation is a serious matter. Illinois courts prioritize the “best interests of the child,” and a parent’s effort to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent is a key factor in decision-making and parenting time cases.

How We Can Help You Navigate This Challenge

Confronting parental alienation requires a delicate balance of legal strategy and compassionate guidance. The experienced attorneys at Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC are equipped to help you. We provide the support you need to build a strong case and advocate for your child’s right to have a healthy relationship with both parents.

Our team will help you:

Understand your legal rights and options.
Gather and present evidence to demonstrate the alienating behaviors to the court.
Request court interventions, which may include therapy for the child, the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to represent the child’s interests, or modifications to your parenting plan.
Develop a strategy focused on resolution and restoring your parental relationship.

Reach Out Today

You do not have to face this painful situation alone. Contact Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC today for a confidential consultation. Let us provide the guidance and support you need to protect your family and work toward a positive resolution.