How Illinois Courts Handle Parental Alienation Claims

 Posted on December 20, 2025 in Family Law

Although parental alienation claims are being increasingly raised in Illinois custody disputes, courts tend to approach these claims with caution. Judges fully recognize that one parent can negatively influence a child against the other parent, yet they also understand that not every strained parent-child relationship is the product of parental alienation.

This means that accusing a co-parent of parental alienation can backfire if it is not supported by strong evidence. Illinois family courts always place a child’s best interests (750 ILCS 6/602.7) above all else. When parental alienation is alleged, judges must separate actual parental manipulation from normal family conflict. And, in fact, in high-conflict divorces, parental

Because of this, Illinois courts look closely at patterns of behavior rather than isolated incidents. This makes evidence and credibility that much more important. The careful balancing act of family courts makes parental alienation claims among the most challenging to definitively prove.

Parents who understand how judges analyze alienation are in a better position to protect their parenting rights. If you believe your child’s other parent is engaging in parental alienation, a Kendall County, IL family law attorney can help you present your case to the judge in the best way possible.

What Does Parental Alienation Mean in Illinois?

Illinois law does not use the term "parental alienation" as a "formal" legal label; rather, the courts focus on whether one parent is interfering with the child’s relationship with the other parent. The key question will be whether this behavior harms the child’s bond with the other parent and is against the child’s best interests.

That said, judges also understand that parental alienation allegations are often made during emotional custody disputes, so courts now require a clear pattern of conduct rather than allegations of poor co-parenting or frustration. Bringing an allegation of parental alienation before a judge without clear proof is likely to backfire on the parent who brings the claim.

What Behaviors Do Judges Consider to Be Actual Parental Alienation?

When a parent has proof of one of the following behaviors, the judge is more likely to consider a claim of parental alienation:

• Blocking or interfering with the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time
• Repeatedly speaking negatively about the other parent to the child
• Sharing adult or legal details of the divorce and parenting decisions with the child
• Encouraging the child to refuse visits with the other parent
• Constantly undermining the parental authority of the other parent

Courts look for consistent, ongoing behavior rather than isolated disagreements between the parents. Not every conflict qualifies as parental alienation. Illinois judges may reject claims based on disagreements over parenting style, a child’s independent preferences, or one parent enforcing court-ordered rules. If a parent has valid reasons – and proof of those reasons – for limiting contact, alienation is unlikely to apply.

What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove or Defend Against a Claim of Parental Alienation?

Successful alienation claims rely on solid evidence, including eyewitness testimony, therapy or counseling records, parenting time histories, school or medical records, or text messages, emails, or app communications that clearly show parental alienation. Objective documentation is key.

If the court finds evidence of parental alienation, it may order adjustments to parenting time, parenting coordination, counseling or reunification therapy, sanctions, or fee shifting. If the parental alienation is severe, a change in decision-making authority could occur. Parental alienation cases are difficult because they involve credibility, emotions, and complex family dynamics.

Contact a Lisle, IL Family Law Attorney

If you are involved in a custody dispute (allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois) and believe parental alienation is affecting your relationship with your child, an experienced Kendall County, IL parental responsibilities lawyer from SpyratosDavis LLC can help. We understand how Illinois courts evaluate these claims and will work hard to ensure your parenting rights are protected. We are very focused on creating a smart strategy. To schedule your initial attorney consultation, call 630-810-8881 today.