Parental Alienation And Child Custody Disputes In Seattle
Last updated on September 12, 2025
When parents divorce, they should do what is in the children’s best interests. Unfortunately, some use child custody as a weapon and try to destroy your relationship with your kids and strip you of your custody rights. At V. Freitas Law, PLLC, we understand how devastating the perception that you are an unfit parent can be. Our attorneys are here to help you fight against parental alienation and protect your long-term relationship with your children.
We have extensive trial experience fighting for parents and children. Veronica was licensed in 1990 and has practiced solely family law for 13 years. She has extensive trial experience in family law and other legal areas, and was selected for inclusion among Washington’s Super Lawyers for 2021. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, Veronica and the rest of our family law attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge to your case. We use every tool at our disposal, including negotiation and alternative dispute resolution, to ensure that your child custody arrangement serves your kids’ needs.
We are responsive to our clients, hard-working, supportive and caring. We keep a sense of humor to lighten the burden during stressful times. Our determined representation can help you confront parental alienation and maintain your parent-child relationship.
What Is Parental Alienation Syndrome?
Parental alienation, sometimes called Parental Alienation Syndrome, occurs when one parent manipulates the child to reject the other parent without justification, such as by constantly insulting the other parent to the children or coaching them to badmouth that parent. They could also refuse to honor your custody or visitation rights and limit communication between you and the kids. Besides damaging your relationship with your children, this emotional estrangement can also severely impact your child’s well-being and mental health. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Unjust criticism: Your child criticizes you severely and without cause, rarely or never saying anything good about you.
- Unwavering support for the alienating parent: Your child staunchly defends the other parent and sees everything in black and white, with you always being the bad one.
- No feelings of guilt: Unlike most children who usually apologize after saying hurtful things to one of their parents, a child affected by parental alienation feels no guilt and may extend their criticism to your entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parental Alienation
Is your relationship with your child being affected by parental alienation? Get your questions answered below:
Is parental alienation considered abusive?
Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse and manipulation to create distance in a child’s relationship with their other parent. If parental alienation continues, the targeted parent may struggle to connect with their child, leading to long-term difficulties in their relationship.
What are the signs of parental alienation?
It is important to recognize the signs of parental alienation early to take steps to protect a child. Some common signs of parental alienation in a child include:
- Suddenly and unexplainably distances themself from their parent
- Erratically changing their behavior toward their parent
- Making comments about their parents’ personal relationship
- Reacting negatively toward a parent without a valid reason
- Repeating phrases used by the other parent
A parent may also show signs that they are alienating their child from the other parent, including:
- Badmouthing in front of the other parent
- Using a child to spy on the other parent
- Involving a child in adult issues
- Instilling illogical fear in a child
- Forcing a child to pick sides
If you have noticed these signs from your co-parent or child, then it may be time to speak to an attorney.
What legal actions can be taken against parental alienation?
Washington courts take parental alienation accusations very seriously. As such, a court needs substantial evidence proving parental alienation before taking further steps to protect a child’s best interests. If evidence of parental alienation is credible, a court may drastically modify a child custody arrangement to protect a child’s well-being.
How can I protect my child from parental alienation?
Above all, you need to maintain an active, involved presence in your child’s life and listen carefully to what they say. If their behavior suddenly changes and you do not know why, ask questions and give them a safe space to talk.
If your relationship with your child is being impacted by parental alienation, you need to speak to a family law attorney to learn what steps you should take first.
How We Can Help
The influences of parental alienation can be reversed. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a judge ordering your spouse to stop making derogatory remarks in front of the children. Other times, therapy can help.
Another important key is a custody arrangement that puts the children in a nurturing and safe environment. At V. Freitas Law, PLLC, our determined representation can help you prove parental alienation, show that the allegations against you are false and protect your child’s mental and emotional health. We are committed to helping you maintain and strengthen your parent-child relationship during this difficult time.
If you are facing parental alienation, contact us today. Call 206-536-2875 or email us to schedule a consultation about child custody and parental alienation.