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Child Estrangement Cases in Orlando, Florida

There was an interesting article on Child Estrangement cases. The author was Marjorie S. Slabach, Judge Pro Tem. In the article, she states that “Child Estrangement cases” is the proper term to describe the situation and not “parental alienation.” The author’s opinion is that the child should be referred to as the estranged child. The parent should be referred to as the favored or aligned parent, and the other parent should be referred to as the rejected or alienated parent. That is different terminology from what people are accustomed to referring to such behavior. Most people refer to such behavior as parental alienation. However, according to the author, the DSM-V has chosen not to identify the phenomenon as a syndrome. The author states that it is rarely simply one evil parent alienating the child against the other model parent. 

The author states that the issue is whether the child is justified in rejecting the parent due to some danger presented by that parent, or if there is some active alienation occurring. If the estrangement is justified, then the favored parent actions are appropriate. An example would be where one parent is physically or emotionally abusive; or the other parent is a danger to the child as a result of  drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or intimate family violence. 

Many times there is a mix of inappropriate behavior on the part of the aligned parent, poor parenting from the estranged parent, the child’s personality and age, and outside forces in the family’s environment. It is important to flush out the factors that went into creating this toxic environment. A mental health professional can aid in doing that. 

These cases are highly emotional, very acrimonious, and take up much of an attorney’s time. Most often, they end up in court. However, it is important to remember that the estranged child has a healthy relationship with both parents.

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: AnnMarieGildenLaw.com; and check me out on these other sites: Ann Marie Giordano Gilden on Facebook; Ann Marie (Giordano) Gilden on LinkedIn; and Ann Marie Giordano Gilden on AVVO and Lawyers.com. 

This article is for informational purposes only; and it does not form an attorney client privilege.