What Does Parental Alienation Mean in an Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on April 22, 2026 in Child Custody

If you're getting divorced and have noticed something off about your child's behavior recently, you may chalk it up to the general stress of the divorce process. However, if you find your child is actively pushing you away for no clear reason, you should be aware of something called "parental alienation" and how it may affect your 2026 custody case.

A DuPage County child custody lawyer can help you understand what parental alienation is and what you can actually do about it.

What Is Parental Alienation?

"Parental alienation" refers to a pattern of behavior by one parent that harms the relationship between a child and the other parent. It goes beyond the normal friction that comes with a difficult divorce. Alienation is deliberate, repeated, and aimed at turning the child against the other parent.

It can look different from family to family, but common examples are:

• Telling the child negative, exaggerated, or outright false things about the other parent
• Interfering with phone calls, texts, or visits
• Pressuring the child to choose sides or feel guilty for enjoying time with the other parent
• Refusing to share information about the child's school, health, or activities
• Making the child feel like they're betraying one parent by loving the other

Alienating behavior can be obvious, or it can be subtle. Sometimes, the parent doing it isn’t completely aware of what they're doing. Regardless of intent, the harm to the child and the targeted parent's relationship with them is real.

Is Parental Alienation a Symptom of Mental Health Issues?

Parental alienation is not a recognized diagnosis. However, it’s often closely linked to mental health issues. Dalia Erel, a therapist specializing in parental alienation cases, says in an interview with Psychology Today that "the targeted parent is usually the healthier parent" in cases of alienation.

Some mental health issues lend themselves readily to parental alienation. For example, the fear of abandonment that comes with things like Borderline Personality Disorder or other anxiety disorders may push a parent to try to alienate their child from the other parent.

Parental alienation can also be the beginning of serious mental struggles for the child. In that same interview, Dr. Erel says these children "live in a state of high emotional risk," which can translate readily into anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts later on. Because of this, courts take cases of parental alienation very seriously.

How Does Illinois Law Address Parental Alienation?

There’s no specific law addressing parental alienation. However, there is a framework for how to deal with these sorts of cases.

Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, Illinois courts determine visitation (called "parenting time") based on the best interests of the child. One of the factors courts must consider is the willingness of each parent to help and support the child's relationship with the other parent. A parent who is actively undermining that relationship is working against what the law requires.

Courts can and do respond to parental alienation with concrete consequences. Depending on the severity and proof, a judge may:

• Change the parenting plan to give the alienated parent more time
• Order family therapy or reunification counseling
• Hold the alienating parent in contempt of court if they violate their court orders
• In serious cases, change primary residential custody altogether

Illinois courts do not make these changes lightly, especially changes to primary custody. Strong, well-documented evidence is essential.

What Can You Do if You Think You're Being Alienated From Your Child by Your Ex?

If you believe the other parent is alienating you from your child intentionally, documentation is your most important tool. Start keeping a detailed log of incidents as they happen. Write down dates, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Save text messages, voicemails, and emails. If your child says something troubling that suggests they've been coached or pressured by their other parent, write it down straight away with as much detail as possible.

You should also:

• Follow your parenting plan to the letter, even if the other parent isn't.
• Avoid putting your child in the middle. Don’t respond to alienation with more alienation.
• Talk to your attorney before taking any action against the other parent.
• Ask your attorney whether a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or a child's representative makes sense for your case.

GALs are court-appointed professionals who investigate the child's circumstances and report to the court. Their findings can carry significant weight when a judge is evaluating claims of alienation.

Call Our Naperville, IL Parental Alienation Lawyers Today

Parental alienation is extremely painful and damaging to both the child and the alienated parent. If it's happening to you, get professional guidance as soon as possible.

Our DuPage County parental alienation attorneys bring almost two decades of legal experience to custody cases just like yours. Attorney Pesce is Court-approved in DuPage County to serve as a Guardian ad Litem, child's representative, attorney for the child, and Mediator for custody and visitation matters. He understands these cases from every angle. Call Pesce Law Group, P.C. at 630-352-2240 today for a free consultation.