As attorneys who regularly handle custody and parenting time disputes in Naperville and throughout Illinois, we’ve worked closely with parents who are concerned about parental alienation. These cases are often some of the most emotionally charged and legally complex situations we face.
Parental alienation can quietly unravel the parent-child bond, leaving one parent shut out of their child’s life while the other fosters rejection, mistrust, or even fear. It is often subtle at first, but the long-term damage can be devastating for both the parent and the child.
Under Illinois law, the best interests of the child are the guiding principle in every parenting decision. However, when one parent intentionally interferes with the child’s relationship with the other parent, courts may consider it a serious threat to the child’s emotional well-being. Illinois courts take parental alienation seriously and may adjust parenting time or decision-making responsibilities if alienation is proven. The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can take action to protect your relationship with your child.
We want you to understand what parental alienation looks like, how Illinois law applies, and what legal remedies are available if this is happening in your case.
Parental alienation occurs when one parent actively works to damage or destroy the other parent’s relationship with their child. This can include negative comments, manipulation, or outright lies told to the child. The alienating parent may try to control the child’s perception of the other parent, often making the child feel guilty for loving them or spending time with them.
Although Illinois does not have a specific statute titled “Parental Alienation,” the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/600 et seq.) addresses conduct that interferes with parenting time and the emotional health of the child. Specifically, 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b) includes a list of factors that courts consider when allocating parenting time, including the “willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child.”
Understanding the warning signs is essential. Some of the most common indicators we see in Illinois parental alienation cases include:
Not every custody conflict includes parental alienation. But when patterns like these emerge, courts take notice—especially if they affect the child’s development, mental health, or school performance.
If a parent is found to be interfering with the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time, the court may take corrective action under 750 ILCS 5/607.5. This statute allows the court to impose remedies such as makeup parenting time, counseling for the child or parents, attorney’s fees, and even modification of the parenting schedule.
In extreme cases, the court may alter parental responsibilities if it determines that the alienating behavior is not in the best interest of the child. Judges in Illinois are guided by the principle of fostering a meaningful relationship between both parents and the child whenever possible. If a parent is undermining that goal, the court can and often will intervene.
Start documenting everything. Keep detailed notes about missed parenting time, unusual behavior in your child, or any statements the other parent makes that seem aimed at turning your child against you. Then, contact a family law attorney who understands how to address alienation in court.
While there is no criminal law specifically called “parental alienation,” interfering with a parent’s rights or violating a parenting order can have legal consequences under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Courts can enforce orders, impose penalties, or change custody based on such conduct.
Courts look at patterns of behavior, the emotional health of the child, witness testimony, and documentation provided by each parent. In some cases, a guardian ad litem or custody evaluator may be appointed to assess the situation and report findings to the judge.
Yes. If one parent consistently undermines the other parent’s relationship with the child, the court can modify the parenting time schedule or decision-making authority under 750 ILCS 5/610.5 if there is a substantial change in circumstances and the change serves the child’s best interest.
Not always. The court wants to understand why the child is rejecting you. If the behavior is rooted in alienation rather than genuine fear or past abuse, that can become grounds for modification. The court may involve child therapists or other professionals to help make this determination.
Yes. Illinois courts may order family therapy, co-parenting counseling, or individual therapy for the child. The goal is to restore a healthy parent-child relationship and reduce the long-term emotional impact of alienation.
That’s common. Parental alienation can be difficult to prove without strong evidence. A lawyer can help you collect and present the information the court needs to make an informed decision.
Yes. Sometimes, alienation is reinforced by extended family members. If they play a role in harming your relationship with your child, their actions may be considered by the court during proceedings.
Yes. Younger children are more easily influenced and may not fully understand the situation. Courts are often more protective of younger children and more willing to act swiftly to prevent long-term damage.
The first step is to file a petition to enforce or modify your parenting plan, depending on the facts. Your attorney will advise you on which legal route best fits your situation and help prepare the necessary documentation.
At Keller Legal Services, we understand how heartbreaking and frustrating parental alienation can be. We work with parents in Naperville and throughout Chicago, Illinois, to help restore meaningful relationships with their children and hold the other parent accountable under the law.
Contact our Naperville visitation lawyer at Keller Legal Services by calling 630-505-1515 to receive your free consultation. If you’re seeing signs of parental alienation, let us help you take action to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
