loader from loading.io

Parental Alienation False Allegations: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183

The Divorce Course Podcast

Release Date: 02/05/2025

Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions show art Child Custody In Divorce: The 10 Most Common Questions

The Divorce Course Podcast

In this eye-opening and practical episode,a seasoned family lawyer helps to unpack the 10 most frequently asked questions about child custody in Australia. Whether you're fresh out of a breakup, preparing for court, or trying to figure out what your rights are, this episode is packed with general education and emotional clarity every separated parent needs. From understanding how courts decide who gets custody, to navigating situations involving domestic violence, high-conflict co-parents, and parenting plans this episode helps you gain a better understanding of what's what in child custody...

info_outline
What your Lawyer Might Forget to Tell You: Unlocking Funds Before Divorce PROPERTY SETTLEMENT is Final show art What your Lawyer Might Forget to Tell You: Unlocking Funds Before Divorce PROPERTY SETTLEMENT is Final

The Divorce Course Podcast

Feeling trapped in limbo while waiting for your property settlement to go through? You’re not alone — and there may be a way out. In this episode, I’m joined again by my mum, Lynette Galvin — a family lawyer with over 35 years of experience — and we’re talking about a powerful but underused legal option called early distribution of funds. This is a game-changer for anyone financially stuck during separation. Whether you’re separated under one roof, struggling to pay rent, or locked out of joint funds, this episode is full of practical ideas to help you understand some options....

info_outline
Are You a Victim of FINANCIAL Abuse? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore & What the New Laws Might Mean for You show art Are You a Victim of FINANCIAL Abuse? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore & What the New Laws Might Mean for You

The Divorce Course Podcast

Are you? Learn about the signs of economic or financial abuse, hear some real-life examples of how economic abuse manifests in relationships and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your financial future. Find out how it is legally recognized under the Australian Family Law Amendment Act 2024, and why it’s considered a form of coercive control. Also find out about the new laws effective from June 2025 and how they impact property settlements and financial disputes.  🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses economic abuse and coercive control, which may be distressing...

info_outline
Divorce Myths That Could Cost You – Debunked! show art Divorce Myths That Could Cost You – Debunked!

The Divorce Course Podcast

Think you know what divorce looks like in Australia? Think again. In this episode, we're busting some of the most common myths that trip people up emotionally, financially, and legally during separation and divorce. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or knee-deep in negotiations, these misunderstandings could be holding you back or costing you big. Join Laura and her mum, Lynette Galvin — a family lawyer with 35+ years of experience — as they unpack 13 myths they hear all the time, including ones that cause fear, confusion, and prevent people from getting what they’re entitled...

info_outline
Is Your Ex Hiding Assets? How to Uncover the Truth in Divorce Disclosure show art Is Your Ex Hiding Assets? How to Uncover the Truth in Divorce Disclosure

The Divorce Course Podcast

💰 Is your ex hiding assets? Are they draining joint accounts, concealing super, or transferring money to family and friends? You're not alone, and there are legal ways to uncover what's yours. Learn about the most common ways people try to hide assets in divorce, including trust funds, cash jobs, disappearing assets, and hidden overseas accounts. Find out how the Australian Family Court courts handle these cases, what legal tools you can use to track down missing assets, and what to consider doing before mediation or family court. If you’re frustrated by a lack of financial disclosure or...

info_outline
Is It Emotional Abuse? How to Identify & Protect Yourself in Divorce show art Is It Emotional Abuse? How to Identify & Protect Yourself in Divorce

The Divorce Course Podcast

Explore the tactics abusive partners use to maintain control, how emotional abuse can impact divorce and custody proceedings, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself, rebuild your confidence, and move forward with clarity. When emotional abuse in your relationship or divorce, it becomes confusing, isolating, and overwhelming. Many people don’t realize that abuse isn’t always physical—disrespect, manipulation, and control can be just as damaging, especially during separation. In this episode, we’re joined by Krasi Kirova, a clinical psychologist specializing in complex trauma,...

info_outline
How Covert Narcissists Weaponise Divorce (And What You Can Do About It) Episode 186 show art How Covert Narcissists Weaponise Divorce (And What You Can Do About It) Episode 186

The Divorce Course Podcast

Have you just realized your ex might be a covert narcissist? Thought your separation was amicable,only to find yourself blindsided by manipulation and deceit? In this episode, we break down the six key signs of a covert narcissist during divorce, property settlement or coparenting. From playing the victim to using the legal system against you, we’ll help you spot the red flags and protect yourself. Listen to This Episode If You: ✅ Are going through a divorce or property settlement and feel like something is off. ❓ Want to understand the subtle tactics of a covert narcissist. 💰 Need to...

info_outline
Consent Order or BFA? & How to Make Sure Your Settlement Sticks show art Consent Order or BFA? & How to Make Sure Your Settlement Sticks

The Divorce Course Podcast

Are you going through a divorce property settlement and unsure whether to choose a Consent Order or a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA)? In this episode, we break down what they are and the key differences between the two. We also discuss the pitfalls and risks to keep in mind when navigating this.  Listen to This Episode If You: âś… Are going through a separation and need to divide property fairly. âť“ Want to know whether a Consent Order or a Financial Agreement is the better choice. đź’° Need to understand the costs involved in each option. ⚖️ Want to protect yourself from future...

info_outline
Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back show art Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back

The Divorce Course Podcast

Child Support Battles: What They Don’t Tell You & How to Fight Back Are you struggling with child support? Whether you’re battling a non-paying ex, dealing with inconsistent advice from child support agencies, or feeling overwhelmed by legal loopholes, you’re not alone. In this episode, Crystal Padooch, founder of Child Support Consultants, reveals the five critical things every parent should know about child support. With 14 years of experience, Crystal explains how the system really works, the common tactics some parents use to avoid paying, and what steps you can take to protect...

info_outline
Parental Alienation False Allegations: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183 show art Parental Alienation False Allegations: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183

The Divorce Course Podcast

False Allegations of Parental Alienation: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183 Learn about how abusers use parental alienation allegations to deflect from their abusive behavior and maintain their power. Explore how accusations of parental alienation can be weaponized against the healthy parent to continue coercive control or abuse, often leaving the targeted parent in a difficult legal and emotional battle. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

False Allegations of Parental Alienation: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control 183

Learn about how abusers use parental alienation allegations to deflect from their abusive behavior and maintain their power. Explore how accusations of parental alienation can be weaponized against the healthy parent to continue coercive control or abuse, often leaving the targeted parent in a difficult legal and emotional battle.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

Listen to This Episode If You: 

🌟 Are facing false parental alienation claims in your divorce or custody case.
âť“ Feel like your ex is using alienation accusations as a tactic to continue coercive control.
đź’ˇ Want to understand how to identify when alienation accusations are used to deflect from abusive behavior.
🛡 Are navigating a high-conflict separation and need tools to protect your relationship with your children.
đź“š Need strategies to counter false accusations and focus on the best interests of your kids.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

  1. The Abuse Behind Parental Alienation Allegations

    • How abusers use alienation claims to deflect attention from their coercive control or abusive tactics.

    • The psychological and emotional impact on the healthy parent when accused of alienation.

  2. Understanding Coercive Control in Divorce and Custody Cases

    • How coercive control continues even after separation through alienation accusations and using DARVO tactics.

    • The power dynamics at play when one parent tries to isolate or manipulate the children from the safe or preferred parent.

  3. False Claims of Parental Alienation

    • Why abusive partners may accuse the other parent of alienation to keep them under control.

    • How these accusations undermine the healthy parent’s credibility and alienate them from their children.

  4. Protecting Yourself and Your Children

    • How to document and respond to alienation accusations in a way that protects your relationship with your children.

    • The importance of seeking legal support to defend against false alienation claims and protect your rights as a parent.

  5. The Impact of Alienation on Children

    • How false parental alienation tactics affects children’s well-being and their relationship with the targeted parent.

    • Strategies for ensuring your children have a healthy relationship safe parents.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Recommended Episodes:

Emergency Contacts:

  • WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE: Call 1800 811 811

  • LEGAL AID: Visit Legal Aid

  • Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and counseling.

  • Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 for confidential support for men.

  • Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 for young people needing help.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732

  • Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123

Final Thoughts:

Parental alienation accusations are often used as a manipulative tactic by abusers to continue their coercive control after separation. Understanding the dynamics of false alienation tactics and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your relationship with your children and protect yourself in court.  Stay focused on what’s best for your kids and make sure you have the legal support and strategies in place to counter false claims.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

  

00:00 Introduction to Parental Alienation

01:16 Understanding the Alienation Industry

02:10 The Pipeline of Alienation Claims

08:14 Child Custody Gatekeeping and Accusations

17:21 The Role of Professionals in False Alienation Cases

21:17 Legal Strategies and Reunification 

24:58 Financial Incentives for more abuse through Child Custody

25:23 New Child Custody Laws in the Family Court Of Australia

26:04 Coercive Control and Family Court

26:36 Choosing the Right Family Professionals for your Custody Battle

29:09 Family Therapy and Legal Implications in the Family Court

34:52 Documenting and Defending Against False Accusations of Alienation

42:56 Fighting Against Reunification Camps

44:42 Support and Resources for Parents