How “Parental Alienation Syndrome” Can Affect Your Child Abuse Case

If your child has been abused by your husband and you have taken him to court, you may now be hearing a charge against you called "Parental Alienation Syndrome." If you are thinking this accusation is random, wrong and baseless, you are correct on all three counts.

What is Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)? 

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) has been used in many family court cases in the United States. It is described as the conscious or subconscious attempt by one parent to separate the child from the other parent. This "syndrome" was created by Dr. Richard Gardner a 1985 article.

PAS has been rejected in the courts of several countries, including the Court of Appeals of England and Wales in the United Kingdom and Canada's Department of Justice. Also, it is not recognized by any professional association-including the American Psychological Association-as a mental disorder.

If your husband is asserting this argument during a child custody hearing in Virginia, speak to your Virginia divorce attorney as soon as possible about the impact this could potentially have on your child custody case.

At Hofheimer/Ferrebee, we understand that the health and happiness of your children is your #1 concern. We will work with you to address any fears and anxieties you may have about your children's future. Our women's-only divorce attorneys will guide you every step of the way to ensure that you achieve the best possible child custody and child support arrangements for you and your children.

To learn more about your Virginia divorce, request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.