WHEN CHILDREN RESIST/REFUSE CONTACT with a parent after the breakup of the family, the cause for the contact resistance can be from various sources. When children resist/refuse contact with a parent and when it is objectively determined that parental alienation is the cause for the contact refusal, the issue is…
Quick Question: What is Parental Alienation? Parental alienation refers to a situation where one parent deliberately influences their child to reject, fear, or show hostility toward the other parent. This can happen through manipulation, badmouthing the other parent, or restricting contact between the child and the other parent. The goal…
Reunification therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on repairing relationships between estranged family members. It is often used in cases of parental alienation, high conflict divorce, or other situations where family bonds between parents and children have been damaged. The goal of reunification therapy is to: Rebuild…
How do you know it is parental alienation—and not justified rejection and estrangement? In a case where a child rejects contact with a parent, a psychological evaluator or skilled GAL can determine if the rejection is unwarranted, which is called parental alienation, by making a thorough investigation of the empirical…
Introducing children to a new romantic partner, or “paramour,” during or after a divorce is a delicate matter that should be approached with careful consideration and sensitivity to the children’s needs and emotions. Here are some factors to consider when determining the appropriate timing for such introductions: Stability and Adjustment:…
One aspect of the divorce case I take seriously is managing the request to the judge for a guardian ad litem in a contested parenting dispute. Sometimes, there are behavioral and psychological issues in a divorce with one of the parents, that can impact the ability of that parent to…
I received a call today from a potential client in Illinois whose partner/spouse left the State of Illinois and set up life with the minor children in another state. As I look back on decades of my Family Law career, I have had a number of similar cases. Sometimes, when…
In Illinois, child custody (now called allocations of parenting time and decision making) can be modified through the courts if there is a substantial change in circumstances that warrants a modification. In general, the modification will be sought after two years has expired from the original judgment, but some cases…
Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court announced the adoption of new Rule 909 which establishes a statewide framework for courts to utilize “parenting coordinators” to resolve minor issues causing conflict in family law cases. The new Rule is effective immediately. New Rule 909 and the Illinois…
Why the First Year Is the Toughest By Amy Morin, LCSW As you might expect, research has found that kids struggle the most during the first year or two after the divorce. Kids are likely to experience distress, anger, anxiety, and disbelief. But many kids seem to bounce back. They get…