Out of everyone in your family, your child can suffer the harshest blow from your divorce. Adjusting to the aftermath can be challenging for a child based on age, primarily if other factors make the transition more difficult. Sometimes, you or your former spouse contribute to their distress, especially when there are allegations of emotional abuse, whether done deliberately or unknowingly.
California law takes these incidents very seriously, considering how harmful they can be to a child’s well-being. The same goes for parents who may be committing this type of behavior unintentionally, warranting specific forms of therapy to address any mental health issues.
When evaluating a case and reviewing it for emotional abuse, the court may follow specific guidelines to conduct assessments. These rules identify what actions and behaviors can become emotionally abusive, including the following:
- Any misconduct meant to belittle, humiliate or degrade the child
- Deliberate indifference or coldness, withholding affection intentionally
- Behavior that can be a type of maltreatment or neglect
- Verbal harassment or assault
- Isolating the child from other people, such as friends and family members
- Talking bad about the other parent to the child
Although these examples appear straightforward, one or two incidents might not qualify as emotional abuse as is. The law specifies other factors, such as how it affects the child mentally, emotionally or psychologically and whether it has happened habitually over a prolonged period.
Understanding how abuse incidents affect child custody
Any form of abuse and harmful behavior can impact your child custody arrangement. If you suspect that your child is suffering through these incidents, consider seeking legal counsel immediately. Doing so may help you understand their legal implications and determine appropriate options to protect your child and their best interests.