Tensions and bitterness after a divorce can cause the custodial parent, to try to push the non-custodial parent out of the child’s life. The parent is not acting for the child’s best interest, but out of selfishness in not wanting to have to face, or deal with the parent anymore. This is a serious syndrome, and can become so severe that the parent will stop at nothing until the non-custodial parent is out of his or her, as well as the child’s life for good. Below are some warning signs that P.A.S. may be beginning.

Visits are beginning to be withheld

Children are frequently returned late from visits (half and hour or more)

A parent who cannot control his or her anger and frustration, especially when still in the presence of the child

An extremely intrusive, as well as, controlling grandparent, stepparent or other relative of the child.

Suggestions, talk, or claims of sexual, physical, and or mental abuse begin to arise

Alcohol, and or drug abuse

A parent who has an untreated mental disorder

A parent who begins to interfere with a reasonable number of phone calls with the child

The child suddenly begins to refuse to visit the other parent

If a parent is noticing one or more of these signs in his or her child, then action should be taken. Call your lawyer and discuss P.A.S. with him or her, do your own research as well, as nothing can combat P.A.S more than knowledge. Begin to keep a journal, and save records and attempts of trying to reach your child. It is important to begin to document at the very first signs of P.A.S. so that you have an accurate representation to show to the courts how long your child has been withheld from contact with you.