Pretty much every parent wants what is best for their child. However, the highly emotional and stressful roller coaster that comes with divorce can prompt some parents to resort to saying awful things about their future ex. Taken too far, badmouthing and attempts to alienate the children from the other parent can result in a trip to court.
While the court may order a divorcing couple not to attack one another during the divorce process, some still ignore the order and say what they wish about their co-parent. Here is why you should hold your tongue and avoid saying negative things about your future ex-spouse during the divorce process.
Badmouthing impacts the children negatively
It is easy for the children to be caught up in their parents ‘differences. Badmouthing, especially in the presence of the children, can seriously impact their emotions as well as their view of the other parent. You risk turning children against the other parent by taking to this kind of behavior. As a result, children might ultimately lose a positive relationship with both parents.
Badmouthing can hurt your case
Besides impacting your children, what you are saying about your future ex to the children can also have an impact on the outcome of your case. For instance, the court may direct that neither party may make disparaging comments about the other during the divorce process. If you violate this direction and it is proven that you have made negative statements about the other party in the presence of the children, then you may be held in contempt of court. The court may also qualify your actions as parental alienation. In this case, the custody judgment may not come out in your favor. Both your custody or visitation privileges may also be reviewed in light of your actions.
Making negative comments about your co-parent may seem like harmless venting. However, it can actually have serious legal and emotional consequences. Courts want what is best for the kids, and this means finding a way to work with your co-parent in the future.
