What Can I Do If I Suspect Parental Alienation in Wisconsin?

 Posted on March 10, 2025 in Child Custody

Parental alienation is when one parent intentionally undermines their child’s relationship with the other parent. It can take many forms, with some being harder to detect. A parent can lie about the other parent, make derogatory comments that let the child understand how negatively they feel, keep the child away from the other parent but claim that the other parent refuses to attend visitation or manipulate the child into rejecting the other parent. If you are a victim of parental alienation, speak with a qualified Madison, WI family law attorney to understand your options for protecting your relationship with your child and addressing the issue legally.

How Can I Tell if This Is Parental Alienation?

You cannot take action to stop parental alienation if you are not sure that is what is happening. It is important to recognize the signs so you can understand how to move forward. Some common indications include:

• Your child suddenly refuses to see or speak to you without any clear explanation as to why.
• Your child makes negative comments about you that are inconsistent with your past relationship.
• You hear from your child about the other parent making false accusations or speaking negatively about you to your child.

If you notice any of this happening, it might indicate that you are a victim of parental alienation. However, you must be careful and make sure you are not misinterpreting normal childhood behavior or temporary issues. Some of the steps you could take to do so include:

Document Everything

Keep a detailed record of incidents, including comments your child made, times when the other parent tried to limit your access to the child, and communication with the other parent about visitation or custody. Make sure to write down the dates and times of any relevant interactions. This documentation can serve as evidence if you need to take legal action to address the situation.

Try to Address the Issue Informally

Before taking legal recourse, you can try to address the issue informally. As difficult as it might be, a calm and respectful conversation about your concerns might help resolve the issue. If the alienation continues or gets worse, you will probably need to consider bringing in a neutral third party who can help resolve conflicts or seeking the court’s assistance in resolving the problems.

Seek Legal Counsel

If informal attempts fail, a family law attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. Whether it is a good time to consider filing for a custody modification, requesting court-ordered therapy, or seeking a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to advocate for your child’s best interests, an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the situation.

Contact a Madison, WI Family Law Attorney

If you think you are a victim of parental alienation, speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate Dane County, WI custody lawyer. At John T. Fields & Associates, LLC, we are dedicated to helping families overcome painful chapters and move forward. Call us at 608-729-3590 to schedule a private consultation today.