Generally, no — not without a valid legal reason. Courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard, a test that weighs the child's health, safety, and relationship with both parents rather than either parent's preferences, according to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute).

Unless a court order says otherwise, both parents generally have the right to see, communicate with, and spend time with their child. Blocking that contact without a court-approved reason is often treated as "parental alienation" — deliberate behavior intended to damage a child's relationship with the other parent.

One important qualifier: courts widely treat alienating behavior as relevant to custody decisions. But "parental alienation syndrome" as a clinical diagnosis is not broadly accepted in the scientific or legal community. The American Bar Association's Judges' Journal has published critical analysis on this distinction, and courts generally focus on documented conduct and its effect on the child rather than a formal diagnosis.

Courts generally view alienating behavior unfavorably, and judges may respond differently depending on how serious or repeated the conduct is. A 2024 research review published by the California Courts found that judges across hundreds of cases have treated alleged alienating behavior as relevant to custody decisions, even as researchers continue to debate how it should be measured.

In more serious or repeated cases, courts may order supervised visitation, require the alienating parent to attend therapy or a parenting class, or find the parent in contempt. Contempt findings can carry fines or, in rare cases, jail time. None of these outcomes are automatic; a judge weighs the full pattern of behavior, not a single incident.

Alienating behavior doesn't just risk a parent's legal standing. It also tends to backfire on the relationship the alienating parent is trying to protect: children often start to distrust or resent the parent doing the alienating once they're old enough to recognize what happened.

Research published in the National Institutes of Health's PMC database looked at adults who experienced parental alienating behaviors as children. It found associations with anxiety, difficulty trusting others, and strained relationships that can persist into adulthood.

Children exposed to this kind of conflict may also experience low self-esteem, identity confusion, loyalty conflicts between parents, and behavioral issues at school or home.

Six of Marble's 10 active states name a parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent as its own custody factor, in statute: Florida (Fla. Stat. § 61.13(3)(a)), Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3), Colorado (C.R.S. § 14-10-124), Arizona (A.R.S. § 25-403), Michigan (MCL § 722.23(j)), and Illinois (750 ILCS 5/602.7). Arizona and Illinois don't use the word "custody": Arizona calls it "legal decision-making" and "parenting time," and Illinois calls it "allocation of parental responsibilities" and "parenting time."

New York courts weigh a similar factor, though through case law rather than statute. Maryland's custody standard was purely judge-made common law until October 1, 2025, when House Bill 1191 took effect, codifying a 16-factor best-interests list at Family Law § 9-201 for the first time. California and Texas don't name "willingness to facilitate contact" as its own factor, but both treat ongoing contact with both parents as a guiding policy.

Stay calm and avoid responding defensively. Review the specific allegations and any existing court orders carefully so you understand what's being claimed and what the court expects.

Don't speak negatively about the other parent in front of your child, and don't retaliate by limiting parenting time or communication. That response tends to confirm the exact behavior you're accused of.

Document your interactions with your child and the other parent, including missed visits, messages, and efforts you've made to support the child's relationship with both parents. Working with a therapist or counselor can also help your child process the conflict in a healthy way.

A family law attorney can help you document a pattern of interference, prepare arguments tied to your child's best interests, and guide you through the court procedures your case requires. If a judge orders an evaluation or therapy, an attorney can help you understand what's expected, coordinate with the mental health professionals involved, and work through complications like a modified parenting schedule or supervised visitation.

This comes up often in practice — parental alienation is referenced in hundreds of Marble case files — but there's no clean way to say how often the allegation itself changes a custody outcome, since that depends on case-specific facts a judge weighs individually.

Whether you're worried about the other parent's behavior or concerned your own actions could be read as alienation, the safest path is the same: document what's happening, avoid retaliation, and get specific legal guidance early. Courts respond to patterns and evidence, not accusations alone.

Disclaimer: Family law varies by state and changes over time. This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.