Many people are familiar with the concept of parental alienation, but fewer are aware of the term "realistic estrangement." Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally seeks to undermine the other parent's relationship with their children, often through a prolonged effort to demean or defame them. While this process can take time to fully take effect, it can severely damage the targeted parent's bond with their children once it does. In contrast, realistic estrangement refers to a situation where the children choose to distance themselves from one parent, not because of manipulation by the other parent, but due to that parent's own inappropriate or harmful behavior. In this case, the children's reluctance to maintain a relationship is a direct response to the parent's actions and therefore is considered justified. This podcast is inspired by an article on Family Law Headquarters titled "What is realistic estrangement?" To learn more, contact our Cedar Rapids divorce attorneys at 855-808-0595. You can also schedule a consultation online.