It is important to note that “Malicious parent syndrome” is not a formally recognized psychiatric diagnosis and there is no specific test or checklist for proving that it exists. However, there are certain behaviors that may be indicative of this type of behavior, and these can be documented and presented as evidence in a legal or custody proceeding.
Some examples of behaviors that may be indicative of malicious parent syndrome include:
- Making false allegations of abuse or neglect against the other parent.
- Refusing to allow the child to have contact with the other parent or limiting that contact in an unreasonable or unfair way.
- Making negative comments about the other parent to the child or in front of the child, which can lead to the child having negative feelings toward the other parent.
- Attempting to control or manipulate the child’s emotions in order to create an alliance with them against the other parent.
- Engaging in behaviors that undermine the other parent’s authority or role in the child’s life, such as making unilateral decisions about the child’s upbringing without consulting the other parent.
If you believe that your co-parent is exhibiting malicious parent syndrome, you may want to consult with a family law attorney or mental health professional who is experienced in dealing with high-conflict custody disputes. They can help you document the behaviors and gather evidence to present in court, and may also be able to provide advice on how to protect yourself and your child from the negative effects of this behavior.
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023