Dear Readers,
Parental Alienation Syndrome is REAL. It is insidious and yet so obvious at times. I have received a PH'd in PAS from the School of Hard Knocks. The degree is endorsed by my tenure with the Family Law System. I am Justin Traver, a 45 year old real estate professional and a committed, loving father. I was told that under my extreme circumstances my efforts to maintain a relationship with my kids are unheard of and heroic. I think it is normal. I traveled 800 miles nearly every two weeks for 3 years before a final custody evaluation was done.

In June 2003, my then wife took two daughter were taken out of Utah to Oregon on a family vacation. She never came back. She hid the children's residences from me several times over 3 years. She wrongly used the UCCJEA "emergency custody" and FAPA statutes to secure control of our daughters. Even after 100 documented incidences of contempts of court (most involving visitations, exchanges, undermining me and involving the children with adult issues) she has never had to face the charge of PAS. The courts really don't see the problem.

In 2007, even the 'most respected' custody evaluator (Dr. Ed Vien) in Oregon would not acknowledge PAS. I was well-read on the subject. I documented a CLEAR PATTERN of ALIENATION via photos, voice recordings and incidences. This occurring over 4 years of the sick and insecure mother's alienation attempts. This was shocking that the most respected psychologist employed by the Oregon courts (paid for by me, of course) would not acknowledge PAS in a case of such solid evidence. After 100 hours of documentation...I presented Dr.Vien a 3-ring binder documenting most of the PAS. I hired the best evaluator and got nothing. These evaluators are 'mini-gods' who dont like to be instructed on how to address PAS. The judges revere them.

My daughters were told a stalker visiting their home was their dad. I would travel to see them and they were hidden from me and taken to the Mom's boyfreind. The girls were told "you dont have to obey your father." They were told not to tell me anything about their lives with mom. They were hidden from me. They heard nasty condemning comments about me from their step-grampa. Police were needlessly involved at various exchanges to incite fear in the kids. Both girls were instructed to call 911 if they didn't feel "safe" with dad. They were coached and fully exposed to adult issues. Dozens of phone calls and texts go unreturned. I was accused of sexual abuse for merely kissing my daughter. My then 4 and 7 year olds knew the judges, lawyers and counselors names. In 5 years of telling my daughters "I love you"... (they never respond in kind).

Holding a parent accountable to a court order regarding child welfare and custody is near impossible. The courts are too full and slow. And lawyers are often jaded and concede to "that's the way the system is" game. I have had to fire two attorneys for their indifference and lack of action.

PAS is real. It is evil. It is a sick undermining of the role of a loving parent. I commend those who fight for fairness, fair child support and equal parenting.

Justin Traver,SLC Utah.