Parental Alienation in Florida – Protecting Parent-Child Bonds

When a Parent Interferes with Your Relationship

Parental alienation can feel like emotional sabotage—where a child suddenly becomes distant or hostile, and you suspect the other parent is the reason. These cases are heartbreaking, complex, and often misunderstood. At The Davies Law Firm, we help parents facing alienation fight to restore their relationships and hold the other parent accountable in court.

Defining Parental Alienation

Undermining the Parent-Child Relationship

Parental alienation refers to a pattern of behavior by one parent that turns a child against the other parent without valid justification. It often includes subtle—or overt—actions like:

• Making negative comments about the other parent in front of the child
  
• Blocking or interfering with parenting time
  
• Pressuring the child to reject the other parent
  
• Making false allegations to damage the parent’s credibility
  
• Portraying normal parenting as neglect or abuse
  

While Florida law does not use the specific term “parental alienation,” courts take these behaviors seriously under the broader standard of protecting the child’s best interests.

Signs & Impact on Children

Know the Red Flags

Parental alienation doesn’t always look obvious at first. Children may show sudden changes in behavior or express beliefs about you that seem out of character. Common warning signs include:

• Unexplained hostility or fear of one parent
  
• Repeating phrases or accusations that mirror the alienating parent’s language
  
• Denying past positive memories with the targeted parent
  
• Refusing visits or contact with no clear reason
  
• Choosing sides in adult conflicts
  

The emotional toll on children can be lasting. Alienated children may struggle with identity, loyalty conflicts, trust, and long-term relationship issues. Courts in Florida consider the psychological impact on children when making decisions about custody and time-sharing.

Legal Standpoint in Florida

Behavior That Harms the Child May Affect Custody

While Florida does not have a separate statute for parental alienation, the law does expect both parents to encourage and foster a positive relationship with the other parent. In fact, one of the key custody factors under Florida law is “the demonstrated capacity of each parent to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact with the other parent.”



This means:

• A parent who deliberately alienates the child may be seen as acting against the child’s best interests
  
• Courts may modify custody or time-sharing to protect the child’s wellbeing
  
• Judges may order counseling, supervision, or appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate

Parental alienation can backfire—if proven, it can result in the court reducing or even removing custody from the alienating parent.

How We Can Help

Legal Tools to Rebuild Bonds

If you suspect alienation, it’s essential to act quickly and strategically. At The Davies Law Firm, we help you take the right steps, such as:

• Documenting incidents, communication attempts, and changes in your child’s behavior
  
• Filing motions to enforce existing custody orders or seek modifications
  
• Requesting evaluations from therapists, counselors, or a guardian ad litem
  
• Pursuing court remedies, including reunification therapy or contempt proceedings
  
• Defending against false accusations of alienation, which some parents use as a tactic to deflect from their own misconduct
  

Our goal is to present clear, compelling evidence that shows how your relationship is being harmed—and how intervention is in your child’s best interest.

Preventive Measures & Parental Strategy

What You Can Do Right Now

Even if you’re not ready to go to court, your behavior today can strengthen your future case. We advise clients to:

• Stay consistent with contact (texts, emails, scheduled visits—even if denied)
  
• Avoid retaliating or bad-mouthing the other parent
  
• Remain calm, compassionate, and stable in front of the child
  
• Keep records of denied visits, missed calls, and any concerning messages
  
• Seek counseling or legal advice early to protect your rights and your child
  

Courts look favorably on the parent who takes the high road—and we help you show the court that you’re putting your child’s needs first.

Call to Action

Rebuild Your Relationship with Your Child

Parental alienation is painful, but it’s not unstoppable. Whether you need to enforce your parenting time or protect your role as a parent, we’re here to help you take action.

Contact our firm today to fight for your relationship with your child and push back against harmful behavior.