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 New York, parental alienation is recognized as a serious issue that can impact child custody decisions. The state's family courts consider the best interests of the child as the paramount concern in custody matters. When evidence of parental alienation is presented, the court may view it as detrimental to the child's well-being and may factor it into their decision-making process. This could potentially lead to a modification of existing custody arrangements or influence the determination of custody and visitation rights. New York courts may order evaluations or interventions, such as therapy, and in severe cases, may alter custody to protect the child's emotional health. It is important for any parent facing such issues to consult with an attorney who is experienced in family law to navigate the complexities of custody disputes involving allegations of parental alienation.