Malicious Parent Syndrome: When Parents Go Too Far [2022] (2024)

Malicious Parent Syndrome (MPS) is a type of vengeful behavior exhibited by some divorcing or separated parents. It occurs when a parent deliberately tries to place the other bad parent in a bad light and harm their child’s relationship with them.

Malicious Parent Syndrome is not an actual mental disorder, but rather, a type of extreme, harmful behavior. It is also sometimes referred to as parental alienation, but they are not exactly the same. There are four criteria that must be met to qualify as Malicious Parent Syndrome.

Malicious Parent Syndrome was originally described in 1995 by psychologist Ira Turkat, who originally referred to the behavior as “Malicious Mother Syndrome.” While Turkat originally described this behavior as exhibited by mothers, it is now widely recognized that fathers also engage in malicious parent syndrome. To qualify as malicious parent syndrome, four criteria must be met.

1. The parent attempts to punish his or her ex by:
* alienating their child from their other parent;
* involving others in malicious acts against the other parent; and
* engaging in excessive litigation.

2. The parent attempts to deny the other parent:
* regular visitation with the other parent;
* uninterrupted communication with the other parent; and
* participation in the child’s school life and other extra-curricular activities.

3. The pattern is pervasive and includes malicious acts including:
* repeatedly lying to their child about the other parent;
* lying to others about the other parent; and
* breaking the law.

4. The malicious parent doesn’t suffer from a mental disorder illness which would explain their actions.

As mentioned, malicious parent syndrome is an extreme type of behavior in which the a parent goes to great lengths to disrupt the life of their ex-spouse and create turmoil in the relationship with their children. Some examples of malicious parent syndrome include:

* A mother repeatedly telling her young children that their father is a child molester, even though there is no evidence to support this claim.
* A mother making her child sleep in a car or believe they are homeless to prove their father bankrupted them.
* A father who spreads viscous lies about his ex in an attempt to get her fired from her job.

These are just a few examples of the many ways in which a parent can engage in malicious parent syndrome. If you are the target of any of these types behaviors, it is important to seek help from a qualified family law attorney as soon as possible.

Malicious Parent Syndrome can have a serious impact on divorce and child custody cases. If one parent is engaging in MPS, the other parent may initially have a difficult time getting custody or visitation rights. It may delay or prolong the case while the court tries to sort out what is really happening.

In some instances, MPS can be criminal or can constitute a form of child abuse. If these incidences, the parent engaging in MPS is more likely to lose the court battle and will likely be ordered to pay child support and have limited or no visitation with their child. It is not uncommon for MPS to backfire on the influencing parent and cause more harm to them then their ex-spouse.

If you are involved in a divorce or child custody case, and you believe your spouse is engaging in MPS, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the family court process and protect your rights.