This paper addresses affinity, alignment, and estrangement with a focus on the concepts behind parental alienation, the warning signs that alienation might exist, and what lawyers and judges can do to address parental alienation. In its conclusion, this paper discusses the importance of identifying warning signs and symptoms of parental alienation as well as the best ways to treat and deal with these cases.

This paper was presented at the 46th Annual Family Law Refresher in April of 2013.