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 Utah, parental alienation is recognized as a serious issue that can impact child custody decisions. Utah courts prioritize the best interests of the child in custody cases, and evidence of parental alienation could be considered detrimental to those interests. If a court finds that one parent is engaging in behavior that manipulates a child's feelings toward the other parent, it may take action to protect the child's emotional well-being. This could result in a modification of custody or visitation arrangements to ensure a nurturing and stable environment for the child. Utah law does not have a specific statute that defines parental alienation, but it is addressed under the broader scope of child custody considerations where the child's welfare is paramount.