Like most parents in Michigan, you want what is best for the young ones in your family. You expect your soon-to-be ex-spouse to have the same values. Unfortunately, though, divorce and custody disputes have a tendency of bringing out the worst in anyone.
Your husband or wife should not turn your kids into pawns. He or she also should not try to turn your children against you. According to Psychology Today, parental alienation does just that. Still, judges in the Wolverine State typically do not look fondly on parental misconduct.
The best interests of the child standard
Before settling custody disputes, judges have a legal duty to determine what is in the best interests of the affected kids. While this legal standard is multi-faceted, parental alienation clearly is not good for children. It is also not good for the alienated parent, of course.
Evidence of parental alienation
Gathering evidence of parental alienation can be difficult, as this type of parental misconduct can come in many different forms. Nevertheless, anything your soon-to-be ex-spouse does to sabotage the good relationship you have with your kids may qualify as parental alienation.
When preparing for your custody hearing, it may be beneficial to document your spouse’s bad behaviors. The following may be particularly useful:
- Evaluations from teachers, social workers or counselors
- Statements from your children
- Voicemails, text messages and e-mails from your spouse
- Any other documentation of your spouse’s alienating behaviors
When it comes to stopping parental alienation, it is impossible to act too quickly. Ultimately, if you can show your husband or wife is alienating your kids, you may have an increased chance of receiving the custody arrangement you want.
