Parental Alienation Syndrome
Parental Alienation Syndrome consists of thoughts and behavior that can develop in a child of separated parents wherein the custodial parent causes a child, through repeated manipulation and restriction of visitation and access to the other parent, to unjustifiably fear or have anger towards the other parent. Also referred to as “hostile aggressive parenting,” the syndrome essentially deprives a young child of his or her ability to be loved by – and show love for – both of his parents, unconditionally.
The syndrome manifests itself in our cases in many forms. As lawyers, we have seen parents who file false police or DCF reports against the other parent to force an arrest or an ejection from the marital home. We sometimes learn of a parent who loudly disparages the other within earshot of the minor children. We often deal with litigants who unjustifiably attempt to “micro-manage” all aspects of visitation with the other parent, to the extent where the parental access – and the parent-child relationship itself – is materially (if not irreparably) harmed.
In divorce litigation, it is the attorneys’ task to dispassionately assess the evidence for and against our clients, to give sound advice, and to pursue legal remedies aggressively where other avenues have failed. Protecting the rights and psychological well-being of children caught in the middle of litigation is, and must be, of the utmost concern. At every turn, we seek to advise our clients of the perceived benefits, risks, and consequences of the lawsuit in which they are involved, lest they lose sight of the most valuable assets of their marriage: their children.
Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry, and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.
Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law and employment law matters in New York as well.
If you have any questions about employment law or education law in Connecticut, or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.
