Parental alienation is a parent’s use of psychological manipulation to turn a child or children against the other parent. This toxic behavior is damaging and may cause long term problems for the child as well as the parents. Courts take evidence of parental alienation seriously and may consider it in making or modifying child custody arrangements.
In Alabama, parental alienation is not explicitly defined by statute, but the state's courts recognize its potential harm to children and the parent-child relationship. During custody disputes, Alabama courts are guided by the best interests of the child standard, as outlined in Alabama Code § 30-3-152. If one parent is found to be engaging in behavior that manipulates a child's feelings toward the other parent, thereby causing parental alienation, the court may consider this as a factor in determining custody arrangements. Evidence of parental alienation could lead to a modification of custody or visitation rights if it is determined to be detrimental to the child's emotional well-being. The court may also order family counseling or take other measures to address the issue. It is important for any parent facing such issues to consult with an attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of their case and the latest case law on the matter.