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Child custody

parental alienation

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 Ohio, parental alienation is not explicitly defined by statute, but the state's family courts recognize the negative impact that a parent's manipulative behaviors can have on a child's relationship with the other parent. Ohio courts consider the best interests of the child as the paramount concern in custody cases, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.04. Evidence of parental alienation could influence a judge's determination of what constitutes the child's best interests. Factors such as the wishes of the child's parents, the child's interaction and interrelationship with parents and siblings, and the child's adjustment to home, school, and community are taken into account. If a court finds that one parent is engaging in behavior that could be considered parental alienation, it may affect custody and visitation arrangements, potentially leading to a modification of existing orders to protect the child's emotional well-being and to foster a healthy relationship with both parents.

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Child custody

parental alienation

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Ohio State Code

Ohio State Code

Child custody

parental alienation

Articles