Facing False Allegations of Parental Alienation in Colorado Custody Cases

If you’ve just been accused of parental alienation, it probably feels like your whole world is turning upside down. You’re worried about your kids, your rights, and maybe even your reputation. It’s a lot to handle, and you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Here’s the good news, not every accusation is true, and Colorado courts know that. At Jones Law Firm, P.C., we’ve spent decades helping Denver parents untangle these tough situations. We’re here to walk you through what really happens when these accusations come up, and, more importantly, how you can defend yourself and protect your family.

Why False Allegations Arise

Custody disputes can get messy. Sometimes, when emotions are running high, one parent might accuse the other of alienation as a way to “get back” or try to sway the court. Maybe they’re feeling desperate, or maybe they’re trying to deflect attention from their own behavior. We’ve seen cases where an abusive parent actually flips the script, claiming alienation to cover up their own misconduct. And then there are those situations where a child genuinely doesn’t want to see a parent for reasons that have nothing to do with the other parent’s influence. Unfortunately, that can get miscast as “alienation” too.

It’s so important to understand the difference between true parental alienation, where one parent is actively trying to turn the child against the other, and estrangement, where the child’s reluctance is rooted in something real, like past trauma or conflict. 

The bottom line is that not every claim of alienation is what it seems, and courts are learning to spot the difference.

How Colorado Courts Handle Allegations of Alienation

Here’s a myth we hear all the time: “If I’m accused, the judge will just believe it and I’ll lose custody.” That’s simply not how it works. Colorado courts take these allegations seriously, but they don’t make snap decisions. Instead, they dig deep.

The court will look at everything, patterns of behavior, messages, even statements from teachers or family friends. In many cases, the judge brings in a neutral expert, like a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE), to get the full picture. These folks talk to everyone involved including both parents, the child, sometimes even therapists or teachers.

It’s worth noting that while judges respect these evaluators’ reports, they don’t just rubber-stamp them. The judge always has the final say, weighing all the evidence and keeping the child’s best interests front and center.

Rights of an Accused Parent

If you’re sitting there thinking, “Do I have any rights at all?”, absolutely, you do. Colorado law makes sure of it.

Here’s what you can expect:

• You can present your own evidence. Think text messages, emails, visitation logs, even friendly witnesses who’ve seen you encourage your child’s relationship with the other parent.
• You can ask for a neutral evaluator. If you think the other parent’s story is way off base, your attorney can request a CFI or PRE to take a fresh look.
• You can challenge the accuser’s credibility. If there’s a pattern of false claims or inconsistencies, you have every right to point that out.
• You can cross-examine evaluators and witnesses. In court, your attorney can ask tough questions to make sure the whole story comes out.

And here’s the key. Your attorney will help you decide what’s admissible and how to build the strongest case. The system is designed to protect your due process rights, even when the situation feels stacked against you.

Defense Strategies and Options

At Jones Law Firm, we don’t just react, we get proactive. Here’s how we help our clients push back against false accusations:

• We gather counter-evidence. We’ll help you pull together messages, emails, and any proof that you’re actually supporting your child’s relationship with the other parent.
• We push for neutral evaluations. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes makes all the difference. CFIs and PREs can spot when accusations don’t match reality.
• We challenge motives. If the other parent has a history of making things up or twisting facts, we’ll shine a light on it.
• We advise next steps. We will help you decide what you should do next. Sometimes if needed we can help you respond to the other parent and give you advice of what to say. 
• We advocate in court. Our job is to make sure the judge sees the bigger picture, not just a one-sided story.

Let us share a quick story. One of our clients, let’s call her Sarah, was blindsided by a false alienation claim. She was terrified she’d lose time with her kids. But we helped her gather every message, every birthday invite, every time she encouraged her kids to see their dad. The evaluator saw the truth, and so did the judge.

“When I was falsely accused, Jones Law Firm didn’t just defend me, they told my side of the story. Their team found the evidence and challenged every false claim. The judge saw the truth, and I kept my relationship with my kids.”

At the end of the day, our goal is simple: make sure your voice is heard, and your story is told.

Consequences When False Claims Are Exposed

Here’s something not everyone realizes: courts don’t look kindly on parents who make things up to get an advantage. If the judge finds out that the alienation claim was false, a few things can happen:

• Custody or visitation might shift in your favor. Judges can give more parenting time or make up parenting time to the parent who was wrongly accused.
• The accuser can lose parenting time. If the court believes their actions are hurting the child, there can be real consequences.
• The focus returns to the child. The court’s main job is to help the child have a healthy relationship with both parents, whenever possible.

Every case is different, of course, but honesty and credibility go a long way in Colorado courts.

The Emotional Toll: Why Support Matters

Being accused of something you didn’t do hurts. It’s stressful, scary, and can feel incredibly isolating. And it’s not just hard on you; your child can feel the strain, too.

Sometimes, the court will order therapy or counseling to help the family heal and move forward. That’s not a sign of failure, it’s a way to get everyone back on track.

We understand that it’s normal to feel anxious or even angry. That’s why it’s so important to have a team you trust, both legally and emotionally.

“We know how stressful these accusations can be, for you and your child. Our role is to advocate fiercely for you while never losing sight of your family’s well-being.”

How Jones Law Firm, P.C. Protects Clients

If you’re wondering what sets us apart, here’s the inside scoop:

• We analyze your case from day one. We look for inconsistencies and gather the facts early.
• We’re strategic with evidence. We know what the court needs to see and how to present it.
• We’re tough in the courtroom. Cross-examining evaluators and accusers? We’ve got it covered.

We always keep your child’s best interests front and center. It’s not just about winning, it’s about what’s right for your family.

“We choose sides. Yours.”

And don’t just take our word for it:

“Jones Law Firm fought for me when I felt hopeless. Their knowledge of the law and dedication to my case made all the difference.”

FAQs

False allegations of parental alienation can feel like the end of the world, but they’re not. Colorado courts care about patterns, facts, and credibility, not just accusations. With the right legal team, you can defend your rights and protect your relationship with your child.

If you’re facing a false accusation, don’t go it alone. Reach out to Jones Law Firm, P.C. for a confidential consultation. We’re here to help you through it.

Schedule a Consultation | Call: (303) 799-8155

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney.