Understanding Parental Alienation in Family Courts with Suzanne Schwab-Radcliffe – Ep 19

In episode 19 of "Cases & Cocktails," Bryan and Janice Eggleston sit down with Suzanne Schwab-Radcliffe, a seasoned family law attorney, mediator, and former associate judge in Galveston County. With over 17 years on the bench, Suzanne provides a unique perspective on parental alienation, high-conflict custody battles, and the complexities of family court proceedings.

Parental Alienation: A Growing Concern in Family Courts

With April recognized as Parental Alienation Awareness Month, Suzanne reflects on how alienation cases have evolved over the years. While she first started hearing parental alienation arguments in the early 2000s, she notes that the problem has escalated significantly, fueled by social media and an increase in high-conflict custody disputes.

📌 The biggest challenge? Identifying and addressing alienation early in a case. As a judge, Suzanne often saw parents unknowingly harming their children’s relationships by bad-mouthing the other parent, limiting access, or involving children in adult disputes.

Judicial Decision-Making in Custody Disputes

As an associate judge, Suzanne played a crucial role in setting the tone of a case early on. While she didn’t make final rulings, her decisions in temporary orders often established the status quo, significantly influencing the final outcome.

📌 Why early hearings matter:
 ✔️ They determine who gets primary custody during litigation.
 ✔️ They set the parenting schedule, which can become the long-term arrangement.
 ✔️ They establish financial and visitation expectations.

Suzanne emphasizes that clients must prepare extensively for temporary order hearings, as they shape the trajectory of the entire case.

The Role of Attorneys in Alienation Cases

Now in private practice, Suzanne approaches litigation differently, using her judicial experience to craft persuasive arguments that judges find compelling. She focuses on:

✔️ Telling a clear, concise story – Judges don’t need excessive details; they need key facts that illustrate the case.
 ✔️ Avoiding unnecessary aggression – Instead of attacking the other parent, she presents facts in a way that encourages measured judicial responses.
 ✔️ Understanding the judge’s perspective – Knowing what information the court prioritizes can make or break a case.

Challenges for Parents Representing Themselves (Pro Se Litigants)

One of the biggest hurdles in parental alienation cases is when parents attempt to represent themselves in court. While judges may sympathize with pro se litigants, Suzanne explains that courtrooms operate on strict legal procedures.

📌 Common challenges for self-represented parents:
 ❌ Struggles with presenting evidence correctly.
 ❌ Difficulty responding to objections from opposing attorneys.
 ❌ Emotional bias affecting credibility.

How Courts Assess Child Testimony

🔹 Children often contradict the parent’s claims.
 🔹 Signs of coaching are usually obvious.
 🔹 Kids struggle with loyalty conflicts, making their statements unreliable.

Suzanne stresses that judges prioritize a child’s well-being over parental accusations, making documented evidence and expert testimony more effective than child interviews.

Final Thoughts

Parental alienation cases require early intervention, strong legal strategy, and a deep understanding of family court dynamics. Suzanne’s experience as a judge, attorney, and mediator highlights the importance of legal advocacy in protecting children from the long-term consequences of high-conflict custody battles.