Custody, divorce and child visitation in Lancaster County, PA are often contentious, highly stressful events that may cause poor behavior on both sides. When this occurs, a divorcing parent may seek to punish the other spouse by acting vengefully and purposefully. Such a parent may:
- Attempt to punish the other spouse by alienating the children and intentionally separating them from the other parent.
- Lie to the children and violate laws.
Here, parents can learn how the other parent’s actions can affect them and their children during divorces and custody matters.
The Psychological Consequences of a Parent’s Malicious Behavior
When a parent takes extreme measures to hurt the other spouse, it can cause severe strain to the affected parent and their relationship with the children. In some instances, a parent who faces repeated malicious actions by an ex-spouse may pull away from their children to avoid further trouble. Malicious parents may at the same time try to manipulate the children, causing them to dislike and avoid the other parent.
The Legal Consequences of Malicious Parental Actions
Many of a parent’s malicious actions during matters of child visitation in Lancaster County, PA constitute violations of criminal and civil laws. Some actions, such as physical attacks and property damage, are easily classified as criminal, while other actions such as refusal to comply with court-ordered visitation can result in civil penalties. A parent’s malicious behavior can affect custody arrangements and parenting plans. If either parent is involved in illegal, cruel or alienating behavior, the conduct can be a negative factor during the attempt to gain or modify custody.
For Victims of Malicious Parents
If a parent and their children have been victimized by the vengeful behavior of the other spouse, they can hire an attorney to get support and custody modifications, get the other parent into mandatory counseling, or get an order for supervised visitation.
Call an Attorney for a Free Review
Parents want their children to have a good start in life, and it can be devastating when a vengeful ex-spouse interferes. However, the legal system gives these parents ways to resolve such issues. Call the Law Offices of Melissa R. Montgomery today for a free legal review.
