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Is co-parent bad-mouthing a custody issue?

On Behalf of | Nov 5, 2021 | Custody & Visitation |

When a Mississippi parent files for divorce, he or she must resolve numerous issues about the future care and well-being of his or her children. In fact, children’s best interests are a primary focus of child custody proceedings. If one parent is constantly bad-mouthing the other, it not only causes stress but can spark legal problems, as well.

Co-parents do not always have to get along

When a married couple decides to divorce, it is logical to assume to that they disagree about certain issues in life. After achieving a settlement, it is not uncommon for co-parents to encounter challenges regarding custody issues. If they disagree about something, it may take discussion, negotiation and cooperation to resolve the issue. If a parent is having trouble resolving an issue because his or her ex is always bad-mouthing him or her, especially in front of the children, it can create a big problem.

A co-parenting agreement can include terms to avoid bad-mouthing

The adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is especially true regarding customizing a co-parenting agreement to fit a particular family’s needs. A parent who is concerned about bad-mouthing may wish to incorporate terms in a custody agreement stating that both parents agree never to speak negatively about each other or say things that may turn children against their other parent. In some cases, a parent will tell lies to children or blame the other parent for a divorce, perhaps even telling kids that their other parent does not love them.

Protecting parental rights and children’s best interests

When one parent tries to turn kids against the other, the children may suffer from parental alienation syndrome, meaning that they become afraid of their other parent or act with hatred toward him or her. A parent whose relationship with children after divorce is being impeded by the other parent’s bad-mouthing may seek the court’s intervention to help resolve the issue. A first logical step to take to do so is to discuss the case with an experienced family law attorney.