During the divorce process, parents often find themselves at odds over numerous issues. Unfortunately, many children find themselves in the middle of a war zone. This is precisely why standard injunctions included temporary orders specifically forbid the parents from making disparaging remarks about the other parent in the presence of the children, or within earshot of the children.
Courts and family law judges are sensitive to the best interest of the children, which does not include the exposure to derogatory statements about either parent, or other family members. Judges tend to be very protective of children during this process, and if the court finds evidence of deliberate efforts by either parent to alienate the children from the other parent, there can be serious consequences up to and including jail time. Court orders have teeth, and family judges have been known to bite when parents are behaving badly.
Examples of deliberate parental alienation include: preventing the children from spending time with the other parent; urging the children to disrespect the other parent; making comments in front of or near the children that would cause the children to lose respect for the other parent; name calling; instigating arguments in front of the children; and subtle behaviors such as throwing away an otherwise appropriate gift the parent gives a child.
Tensions run high during divorce, and these tensions can continue even after the divorce is final. If you have children, learning to co-parent with your Ex is crucial to the well-being of your children. Even if Mom and Dad no longer live together, they never take off their team jerseys as parents.
