Parental alienation is a devastating issue that can have tragic consequences for children and families. As civil rights advocates, we are always looking for ways to support victims whose rights have been violated. Recently, we have been exploring potential legal avenues on behalf of parents experiencing parental alienation in child custody cases.
One heartbreaking example is the case of a child who died by suicide, where parental alienation by the mother was found to be a contributing factor. This case illustrates how damaging alienation can be to a child’s mental health and wellbeing. It is a stark reminder that parental alienation should be taken very seriously by family courts.
In considering legal options, we need to research further to identify viable civil rights claims. There are significant legal hurdles, including broad governmental immunities that preclude money damages in many instances. However, one potential option is seeking injunctive relief to compel state agencies to implement parental alienation research findings into child welfare regulations and family court policies and procedures.
Whether an injunction can be issued to force, for example, a state department of human services to begin considering parental alienation when setting forth regulations regarding how legal decisions should be made regarding the child, is most definitely uncharted territory and will certainly require additional research and consideration.
Crafting a successful legal strategy will require deep examination of the law and facts. We are committed to advocating zealously for parents facing alienation, within the bounds of legal ethics. However, it is important to note that this post contains general information, not legal advice regarding any specific case. Those dealing with parental alienation issues should consult with an attorney to discuss their particular situation and potential claims. We encourage any parent or family seeking legal counsel in a potential civil rights case involving parental alienation to visit www.conduit.law for a free case evaluation.
