What is Parental Alienation in Utah and How Courts Handle It

The whole point of custody arrangements is to keep children safe and help them maintain strong relationships with both parents. But sometimes, one parent actively works to damage that bond. They criticize the other parent, interfere with visits, or pressure the child to take sides. 

Over time, the child may start pulling away from a parent they once loved.  

Behavior like this is known as parental alienation, and Utah courts treat it as a serious problem. Judges recognize how harmful it can be and step in when it threatens a child’s well-being. If this is happening to you, it helps to know exactly how parental alienation laws in Utah work.  

Let’s begin.  

Defining Parental Alienation  

Parental alienation refers to when one parent manipulates a child’s feelings, thoughts, or behaviors to turn them against the other parent. It is not the same as a child refusing contact because of abuse or neglect. That would be a legitimate reason to limit parenting time.  

Instead, alienation is usually based on lies, exaggerations, or negative comments designed to make the other parent look bad. Over time, this can cause a child to withdraw from a loving parent and refuse to spend time with them.  

Some common signs of parental alienation include:  

• Badmouthing the other parent. Making negative comments about their parenting, lifestyle, or personal choices.  
• Sharing adult problems. Telling the child about financial issues, court battles, or adult conflicts.  
• Interfering with visits. Canceling parenting time without reason or scheduling activities that conflict with visits.  
• Withholding communication. Refusing to pass along messages, phone calls, or updates.  
• Encouraging rejection. Subtly rewarding the child for siding with them or punishing them for wanting to see the other parent.  

Parental alienation can be intentional or unintentional, but either way, it puts the child in the middle of a conflict they shouldn’t have to carry.  

Why Utah Courts Pay Special Attention to Parental Alienation  

Utah family courts operate under the principle of “best interest of the child.” Essentially, judges make custody and visitation decisions with the child’s emotional and physical well-being as the top priority.  

When one parent is actively trying to erase the other parent from the child’s life, the court sees it as harmful to the child’s development. Children need healthy relationships with both parents when it is safe and appropriate. Parental alienation in Utah disrupts this and can lead to long-term emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and trust issues.  

Judges in Utah also want to promote co-parenting. If a parent refuses to cooperate and works against the other parent’s role, it can affect how the judge decides custody arrangements.  

How Utah Courts Identify Parental Alienation  

Since custody cases are highly emotional, judges rely on evidence before making changes to a parenting plan. Allegations of parental alienation must be supported by clear proof.  

Evidence the court might review includes:  

• Text messages, emails, or recordings showing negative statements about the other parent.  
• Missed visits or interference patterns documented in calendars or court filings.  
• Testimony from teachers, counselors, or family members who observe the child’s behavior.  
• Expert evaluations from psychologists who can assess the child’s relationship with each parent.  

The court will look for a pattern of behavior over time, not just one or two arguments or isolated incidents.  

How Courts Handle Parental Alienation  

When a judge sees that one parent is undermining the child’s relationship with the other, they have several tools to step in and protect the child’s best interests. Here’s what the court may do.  

1) Changing Custody  

One of the strongest steps a court can take is to change custody. If the alienating parent has primary custody, the judge may reduce their time or transfer primary custody to the other parent.  

2) Counseling and Reunification Therapy  

The court can order therapy for the parents, the child, or both. A therapist for parental alienation can work with the family to rebuild trust. Reunification therapy is a structured process designed to help repair the damaged relationship between the child and the alienated parent in a safe, supportive setting.  

3) Parenting Classes  

Sometimes, alienation stems from poor communication or lingering resentment. In those cases, the court may require both parents to take co-parenting classes to improve their ability to work together and put the child first.  

4) Contempt of Court  

In case a parent ignores court orders, like refusing scheduled visits or blocking communication, they can be held in contempt. This can lead to makeup parenting time, fines, or, in extreme cases, jail time.  

Steps To Take If You Suspect Parental Alienation  

If you believe your co-parent is turning your child against you, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Utah courts rely on patterns and documented behavior, so you’ll need a clear record of events.  

1) Start Documenting Right Away  

Write down every missed visit, last-minute cancellation, or troubling comment from your child. Include dates, times, and details. Over time, this record can show a consistent pattern of interference that the court can review.  

2) Save Every Piece of Communication  

Keep copies of text messages, emails, voicemails, and social media messages that show refusal to cooperate or negative comments about you. Organize them by date so they’re easy to present if needed.  

3) Stay Calm and Consistent  

Children pick up on tension. Continue showing up for your parenting time, even if your child is resistant, and avoid saying negative things about your co-parent. Staying steady helps your child feel secure and shows the court you’re focused on their well-being.  

4) Seek Professional Support  

Consider working with a counselor or therapist for parental alienation to support your child and get professional insight into what’s happening. Mental health professionals can also provide valuable insight to the court about what’s happening in your child’s life.  

5) Get Legal Guidance  

A Utah family law attorney can walk you through your options and file motions if needed. They can request court intervention, such as make-up parenting time, therapy orders, or custody modifications, depending on the severity of the situation.  

Avoid Becoming an Alienating Parent  

Parental alienation can sometimes happen unintentionally. Divorce is stressful, and it’s easy to vent in front of your child or make small remarks that plant negative seeds.  

To avoid this:  

• Keep adult issues private.  
• Speak respectfully about your co-parent in front of your child.  
• Support your child’s relationship with the other parent, even when you’re frustrated.  

Taking the high road not only helps your child but also strengthens your position in court.  

Final Thoughts  

Parental alienation in Utah is one of the most damaging issues in a custody case, both emotionally and legally. Utah courts treat it as a threat to a child’s best interest and will step in when necessary.  

If you believe alienation is happening, act early. Keep records, seek support, and stay focused on your child’s well-being. The goal isn’t to “win” against your co-parent. It’s to give your child the chance to have a healthy, balanced relationship with both parents whenever it’s safe to do so.  

At Henriksen & Henriksen, our experienced parental alienation attorneys know how to handle these cases and fight for solutions that put your child first. Contact us today to discuss your situation and get the legal guidance you need to protect your relationship with your child.