Divorce or separation can create intense emotional stress for families—especially when one parent intentionally damages the child’s relationship with the other. This harmful behavior, known as parental alienation, can have lasting psychological consequences for both parent and child. At Setzer Law Firm PLLC, we advocate for parents experiencing alienation and fight to preserve the bond between parent and child.
We proudly represent families throughout Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Roanoke, and surrounding communities.
Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child into rejecting or fearing the other parent, often through:
This behavior is not only emotionally damaging—it can also be considered a violation of custody orders and a form of psychological abuse.
Learn more about your rights as a parent on our Parental Rights page.
If you’re concerned about parental alienation, watch for these signs:
At Setzer Law Firm, we take these concerns seriously and move quickly to investigate and take legal action where appropriate.
Courts in Texas prioritize the best interests of the child, which includes maintaining healthy relationships with both parents. If alienation is proven, the court may:
We help you build a compelling case using documentation, expert evaluations, and testimony to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.
Clients trust our firm because we provide:
While expert testimony is not always required, having a psychologist or counselor document the alienating behavior can strengthen your case. Courts consider both evidence and behavior patterns when making decisions about custody or visitation.
If your child is refusing visitation due to the other parent’s influence, you can file a motion to enforce the custody order. The court may investigate the situation, issue penalties to the violating parent, or modify the custody arrangement.
While not formally classified as abuse in all cases, severe parental alienation may be viewed by the court as emotional abuse—especially if it harms the child’s psychological development. Courts can and do take corrective action when such behavior is proven.
If you’re being falsely accused, we can help you present evidence to defend your parenting practices. The court will look for consistent patterns of behavior, not isolated disagreements. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and your reputation.
Setzer Law Firm PLLC is a Colleyville-based family law firm serving Tarrant and Denton counties. With over 30 years of combined experience, we handle divorce, custody, property division, alimony, paternity, grandparents’ rights, LGBTQ+ family law, and more.
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