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 Indiana, parental alienation is recognized as a serious issue that can impact child custody decisions. Parental alienation involves one parent manipulating a child to reject the other parent, which can harm the child's emotional well-being. Indiana courts prioritize the best interests of the child in custody cases, and evidence of parental alienation could influence a judge's decision. The court may consider factors such as the child's wishes, the mental and physical health of all parties, and the ability of each parent to encourage a positive relationship between the child and the other parent. If a court finds that parental alienation is occurring, it may result in a modification of custody or visitation rights to protect the child's relationship with both parents and ensure their best interests are served.