Call Now (410) 650-4242
Call Now (410) 650-4242
Child custody battles can be emotionally charged, and unfortunately, some spouses resort to manipulation tactics to gain an advantage. Understanding these strategies and working closely with your attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure the best outcome for your family. This guide explores the top five manipulation tactics used in custody disputes and provides insight into how to counter them effectively.
In this article, you can discover…
While any form of domestic violence is completely unacceptable and deserving of protection, there are situations where one party may allege domestic violence against another party in order to gain an advantage in a divorce or custody case. This may happen for a number of different reasons but oftentimes one party is attempting to paint the other party in a negative light with hopes of convincing the Court that the “abusive” parent is an unfit parent and should not be awarded custody.
Allegations of abuse are often raised when one parent files a Petition for Protective Order against the other party. While the Courts and attorneys will take all allegations of abuse seriously, it is important for you to know that the person making those allegations has the burden of proof to prove such accusations.
In defending against such allegations, your attorney will examine text messages, witness statements, and other evidence pertaining to your defense. If it is advisable to contest the allegations, you and your attorney can move forward with a contested hearing in Court, at which time you would present your defense against such allegations.
Parental alienation occurs when one party speaks negatively about the other to their child in order to negatively influence or “alienate” that child from their parent. Often, these damaging statements can include lies, exaggerations, or things that are true but that are inappropriate for a child to hear or know.
Sometimes, a parent will engage in parental alienation in order to influence the child against that parent in hopes that the child will favor the manipulative party. Clearly, this is not good for your child or your relationship, and there are ways your attorney can uncover and combat these tactics. Evidence of manipulation can take the form of written evidence or the Judge conducting an interview with your child. Your attorney can share your concerns with a Judge, who can speak with your child directly to determine if parental alienation is occurring.
Attorney Robert Greenberg is a dedicated family law attorney serving Maryland. For nearly 10 years, he’s helped clients just like you combat spousal manipulation tactics, get the time with their children they deserve, and successfully navigate even difficult divorces.
Have questions, or in need of excellent representation? Reach out to Greenberg Legal Group LLC at (410) 650-4242 for an initial consultation today.
If the Court finds evidence of parental alienation and manipulation, this can significantly impact the case, and a Judge could even find the manipulative party to be an unfit parent.
In custody cases, it is very important to seek financial information from the other parent, such as tax returns, W2s, paystubs, and bank statements. In some rare cases, a parent may fabricate documents to provide data that is misleading or not entirely truthful.
If you suspect this is happening, let your attorney know. Your attorney can subpoena the employer, bank, or other institution for original documents, allowing you to see full and accurate copies of those records.
If a party attempts to destroy or conceal evidence which is relevant to the case, this can demonstrate to the Court that the parent who engaged in this conduct is not credible. This can adversely affect the way in which that party’s testimony, claims, and arguments are viewed by the Court in the divorce or custody case.
There can also be sanctions and legal penalties for destroying evidence or seeking to hide discoverable evidence. Penalties may include not being allowed to testify or having attorney’s fees awarded to the other parent for having to seek out that concealed information.
This happens often, especially when there are a lot of intense, bitter feelings between parents. These conflicts have nothing to do with the child, but children are often caught in the middle and used as a weapon to hurt the other party.
For example, one parent might withhold access to the child from the other due to anger over the relationship ending. This is done not because the other parent is negligent or unfit but simply to cause the other party pain over not being able to see, visit, or spend time with their child.
It is incredibly important for both parents to put their child’s well-being front and center and put aside their personal feelings. Failing to do so is unhealthy for your child and will likely be noticed by a Court.
If you feel the other party is keeping your child away from you as a form of revenge, let your attorney know immediately. A hearing can be requested, these matters can be brought to light, and you can petition for more access to your child.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started? For more information on Manipulation Tactics Spouses Use To Win Custody, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (410) 650-4242 today.
Attorney Robert Greenberg is a dedicated family law attorney serving Maryland. For nearly 10 years, he’s helped clients just like you combat spousal manipulation tactics, get the time with their children they deserve, and successfully navigate even difficult divorces.
Have questions, or in need of excellent representation? Reach out to Greenberg Legal Group LLC at (410) 650-4242 for an initial consultation today.
