MATERNA

The most important thing is for parents to understand that marital separation doesn't mean the end of their parental role. Both parents remain responsible for the child's well-being and development. Barbara Heliodora, attorney specializing in family law

If you've identified similar behaviors on your part, don't hesitate to seek specialized help, such as good therapy. If you identify with the other side, you should also seek specialized help, such as a psychologist who can help mediate conflicts and a lawyer who can intervene legally.

According to the National Council of Justice (CNJ), approximately 4,500 parental alienation cases are filed in court each year, with a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. The alienation law, however, receives both praise and criticism in Brazil, and the concept has been banned in Spain and Colombia. According to some experts, it has been used against women who report men for domestic violence or child abuse.

In 2021, the Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 7352/17 , which will be voted on again to stipulate that judges will be prohibited from granting custody changes or determining shared custody that favors a parent under investigation or with an ongoing case for committing a crime against a child or adolescent, or domestic violence.

Regardless of the law, experts are categorical: dialogue, awareness, and a willingness to change—from both parents—can transform the relationship with their children and ensure a much better emotional future for them. Barbara Heliodora emphasizes that recognizing these behaviors, on either side, is the first step toward change. "Fostering a healthy co-parenting environment requires mutual effort, prioritizing the child's well-being and respecting the other parent's role in the child's life," she advises.