Can a Parent Lose Custody for Parental Alienation in Texas?

Have you ever wondered what could happen in a custody case if one parent actively turns a child against the other? Conduct that harms a child’s relationship with a parent can have a huge impact on the child’s well-being and how the courts handle custody. But can a parent lose custody for parental alienation in Texas?

When deciding on custody matters, judges look closely at each parent’s actions and how those actions affect the child’s ability to maintain healthy bonds. This includes the way parents speak about each other, share information, and support the child’s time with both sides of the family. 

Courts view alienating conduct as harmful to a child’s well-being, which can and does affect custody determinations. If parental alienation is a factor in your Dallas custody case, an attorney can help you gather evidence, present it effectively, and assert your rights.

What Is Parental Alienation in Texas?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent says or does anything to damage their child’s relationship with the other parent. It can include making false statements, limiting communication, interfering with visitation, or creating situations that make the child feel unwelcome with the other parent. 

In Texas, this conduct goes directly against state policy, which prioritizes frequent and continuing contact between children and both of their parents whenever possible. Texas law requires courts to consider whether each parent can support the child’s relationship with the other when making custody decisions. If a court finds that a parent is deliberately alienating the child from the other parent, it may modify custody arrangements, limit visitation, or impose other restrictions. 

Common Parental Alienation Signs and Behaviors 

If you believe alienation might be occurring, you can watch for certain signs and behaviors to confirm your suspicions. For example, it might be a red flag if your child:

• Suddenly refuses scheduled visits with you without giving a clear reason
• Repeats negative statements about you that seem scripted or far beyond their age level
• Appears unusually anxious, hostile, or withdrawn during interactions with you
• Resists or avoids answering phone calls or messages despite previously being open to contact
• Expresses unfounded fear or anger toward you with no history to explain it
• Shares private details about you that they would not have known without outside influence
• Begins rejecting any extended family members related to you

The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Parental Alienation on Children

Parental alienation can create lasting emotional challenges for children. It can cause confusion about loyalty, strain their sense of identity, and disrupt their trust in close relationships. Children can develop anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems when they feel forced to reject a parent. Over time, these issues can affect school performance, friendships, and self-esteem. 

Alienation can also limit a child’s access to the emotional and financial support of both parents. In severe cases, the psychological damage of alienation can extend into adulthood and impair the child’s ability to form healthy bonds for life. 

Texas courts recognize these risks and, once they are made aware of them, can take steps to stop the alienation before it worsens. When judges have the opportunity to address parental alienation early on, they can protect children’s mental health and preserve meaningful connections with both parents.

Can a Parent Lose Custody for Parental Alienation in Texas?

Yes. Texas courts may modify custody if they find that one parent is trying to ruin the child’s relationship with the other. Judges must follow state policy in custody cases, which favors strong relationships between children and both of their parents. However, the court’s primary focus is always the child’s best interest. Alienating conduct can weigh heavily against the offending parent because it undermines state policy and can harm a child’s emotional health. 

If a court determines that parental alienation has had or could have a negative impact on a child, it may reduce or terminate the alienating parent’s custody rights. In some cases, the court may even grant sole custody to the other parent or require supervised visitation with the offending parent. The outcome depends on the severity of the alienation and how the court believes any custody changes will protect the child’s well-being moving forward.

Proving Parental Alienation in Court

Clear, credible evidence is necessary to prove parental alienation in court. Judges look for documented examples showing patterns of behavior. Relevant evidence can include text messages, emails, or recorded phone calls that demonstrate interference or negative influence. Testimony from teachers, counselors, or other neutral parties can also strengthen a parental alienation case. 

A custody lawyer can help you gather, organize, and present evidence in a way that shows the court both the other parent’s conduct and its impact on your child. They can also identify witnesses, prepare cross-examination questions, and challenge false accusations. 

Strategies to Address and Prevent Parental Alienation

Parents who suspect alienation or want to avoid it altogether can take steps to protect their bonds with their children. Even in high-conflict situations, consistent positive actions and clear boundaries can preserve trust and open communication. The following strategies can help you preserve your relationship with your child and limit the influence of alienating behaviors:

• Keep all communication with the other parent respectful and document everything.
• Follow court orders for visitation, exchanges, and information sharing exactly as written.
• Maintain consistent, positive contact with your child, even during disputes.
• Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in your child’s presence.
• Seek help from a family counselor who can work with both parents and children if necessary.
• Involve a Texas custody lawyer early on if you notice signs of parental alienation.
• Request court intervention if the other parent repeatedly ignores orders or disrupts visitation.

Contact Our Dallas Custody Attorneys Today

Parental alienation can affect your child’s well-being and your custody rights. If you know or suspect that alienating behavior is occurring, take action now to protect your relationship and address the problem before it gets worse. 

The Dallas custody attorneys at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, can review your situation, explain your legal options, and develop an intelligent legal strategy tailored to your goals. Contact our office today to arrange your initial consultation and get the support you need.