Parental Alienation: How It Impacts Your Rights To Child Custody In Tampa

Child custody arrangements in Tampa can pose serious challenges. While the relationship between the two parties may have ended badly, they still need to work with each other in parenting their child. Unfortunately, it is common for disputes to arise in these cases, particularly if one of the parents feels angry over their breakup or slighted that their former partner is moving on. Parental alienation is a common problem that can impact your rights and your relationship with your child.

When Problems Between Parents Undermine Tampa Child Custody Arrangements

In cases of divorce or when single parents do not live together, child support is often a major issue. The Florida Statutes generally encourage child time-sharing arrangements, which seek to protect the child’s best interests while allowing both parties to continue playing an active and engaged role in the child’s life.

In making these arrangements, a parenting plan must be negotiated. This dictates the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home, rights regarding birthdays, holidays, school breaks, and other special occasions, transportation arrangements, and the right to make important decisions on behalf of the child.

In addition to the proven ability to provide for the child, one of the factors the court considers before approving a parenting plan is each party’s willingness to cooperate with the other party. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for one parent to engage in hostile or passive-aggressive behavior against the other. This includes:

• Bad-mouthing you in front of the child;
• Telling them that you were are fault for the breakup;
• Showing up late to pick up or drop off the child;
• Canceling without prior notice;
• Not adhering to agreed-upon schedules regarding the child’s school, eating, and sleep schedules;
• Being excessively lenient and permissive with the child when in their care, pushing the burden of discipline onto you.

Parental Alienation Can Jeopardize Your Relationship With Your Child

Reaching mutual agreements regarding a parenting plan often proves challenging. However, once a plan is approved and a final court order is issued, both parties are required to follow it. Not adhering to it for the purpose of aggravating or inconveniencing you and engaging in any of the other above behaviors may constitute parental alienation.

Parental alienation is a serious matter. It has the potential to drive a wedge between you and your child, impacting your relationship now and for years to come. Parents who engage in it could face the loss of their rights regarding the child. If you voice your concerns but they continue with this harmful behavior, you may be entitled to request modifications to your parenting plan through the Hillsborough County Family Court.

Request A Consultation With Our Tampa Child Custody Lawyer

Parental alienation can impact your rights and your relationship with your child. To find out how to put a stop to it, reach out to our Tampa child custody lawyer. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation at Bubley & Bubley, P.A. today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

hillsclerk.com/court-services/family-law