What Is It and What Can You Do about It?
Psychologists have identified a phenomenon known as “malicious parent syndrome,” often arising when there are minor children of divorce (and typically when the divorce was somewhat contentious). What is malicious parent syndrome? What are the warning signs? What can you do about it?
What Is Malicious Parent Syndrome?
Also commonly referred to as “alienation of affection,” malicious parent syndrome typically manifests in behavior or actions by one parent in a divorce that interferes with the child’s emotional relationship with the parent. First coined by psychologist Ira Turkat, it customarily involves one of the following acts:
- False accusations or lies by one parent about the other parent to a minor child
- Efforts to deny the other parent access to or communication with a minor child, including attempts to prohibit the other parent’s participation in the child’s schooling, medical care, religious training or other extracurricular activities
- Statements or suggestions to the minor child that seek to portray the other parent in a negative way, ostensibly to win favor of the child
What Can You Do If You Are the Victim of Malicious Parent Syndrome?
It’s fairly common for a divorce order to prohibit actions that constitute alienation of affection. If you have evidence of such behavior, you can file a motion with the court, which may potentially involve findings of contempt of court by the other parent.
We Can Help Protect You from Malicious Parent Syndrome
At DTX Family Law, we built our successful practice by always putting our clients’ needs first. We know that the legal process can be complex and confusing, and we’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our new website or call our offices at 940-566-0606. We can help you take steps to make the holiday season a positive experience for everyone.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties, as well as the cities of Flower Mound, Highland Village, Bartonville, Lake Dallas, Corinth, Frisco, Northlake, Trophy Club, Haslet, Justin, Ponder, Coppell, The Colony, Lantana, Argyle, Roanoke, Copper Canyon, Hickory Creek, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Allen, Princeton, Anna, Lavon, Melissa, Parker, Lavon, Westminster and Weston