Divorce and child custody battles not always end on a good note. Some cases result in situations involving the “Malicious Mother Syndrome,” also known as “Malicious Parent Syndrome.” This syndrome happens when a divorcee seeks to hurt his or her former spouse during divorce and custody proceedings. In some cases, the revengeful parent may harm the children in an attempt to punish the targeted parent. Although this syndrome is not a medical condition or mental disorder, both parents can suffer from this syndrome.
Signs of malicious parent syndrome
Parents suffering from this condition can exhibit vengeful behavior. A parent may try to hurt the divorcing parent by isolating the children from his or her former spouse. Sometimes it can go far enough as to involve other people and the court in order to separate the child from the targeted parent. The custodial parent may limit the children’s activities with the other parent, lie to the children, and violate the law. Unless the person suffers from another mental disorder, these actions are inappropriate and harmful to the children.
Identifying a malicious parent
There have been unfortunate cases where a parent suffering from this condition has burned down the divorcing parent's house, told the children they can’t buy food because the other parent is not providing support, and falsely accused the other parent of domestic violence or child abuse. There are also cases when a parent may keep the other parent from attending the child’s school activities. In other words, the parents behavior is vengeful and harmful to the children resulting in them not wanting to spend time with the targeted parent.
Psychological and legal consequences
Some parents may not have the strength to fight against the alienation of their children so they may withdraw in order to keep the peace. This manipulative behavior may also cause the children to want to spend less time with the targeted parent. The malicious parent syndrome can also have legal consequences since it may be categorized as a civil or criminal offense. Some acts such as damaging the other parent's property and aggressive behavior may constitute a criminal act. Not meeting the child’s needs in order to make the targeted parent look bad may constitute child abuse. Likewise, denying the other parent’s visitation rights is illegal and it may result in fines.
Parenting and custody arrangements may be modified when this malicious behavior is present. A parent who has been involved in this type of behavior may become a determining factor in child custody proceedings. If you or your children have been the victim of a former spouse’s hurtful behavior, it is important you contact a Thousand Oaks Child Custody Attorney. Your attorney can help you modify your custody or support agreement. Your malicious former spouse may need counseling and supervised visitation.
We understand that your children are very important to you and it can be very upsetting having to deal with a malicious parent. But there are legal consequences to these actions. Call us today and schedule your initial case evaluation with Thousand Oaks Family Law Attorney Stephanie L. Mahdavi.
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