Psychological Dynamics in Child Custody Disputes
Understanding the Impact of Coercive Control and Abuse on Family Court Decisions and What Judges and Legal Professionals Should Be Looking For
Child custody decisions have undergone significant changes over the years, with courts shifting from one doctrine to another to determine the best course of action for families in turmoil.
Initially, the “tender years” doctrine prevailed, asserting that mothers were the most suitable caretakers for young children. This approach eventually gave way to the “psychological parent” concept and then the “best interest of the child” doctrine.
In recent years, the “shared parenting”, “friendly parent” or “failure to cooperate” standard has gained traction, with many family courts advocating for co-parenting arrangements.
This theoretically allows children to bond with both parents while preventing either parent from feeling as if they have “lost.”
However, by prioritising “shared care” or the “friendly parent doctrine”, family court professionals may inadvertently overlook abuse.
This approach is not grounded in empirical evidence but rather in accepted doctrine and prejudice.
