When a divorce case becomes so unpleasant that criminal charges are filed, things have gone too far. A divorce never will be viewed by most participants as a pleasant experience and for most couples, the end of the formal court proceedings will leave everyone relieved.
But no one wants to be involved in a case where criminal charges, like felony deprivation of parental rights, are filed, as has happened in a case of a Minnesota woman who was arrested in Florida. Her two daughters disappeared in 2013 from Lakeville and haven’t been seen since.
The police had suspected their mother of being involved with the disappearance, but until now, they had not had sufficient evidence to bring charges. The woman had accused her husband of abuse, but he denied these charges and claims she “brainwashed” the girls. She is still in Florida awaiting extradition to Minnesota.
The courts dislike these types of cases, as it is difficult to determine the truth when there are such polarized points of view between the two parties. However, abducting children to frustrate a valid custody order is likely to end badly for the party violating the order.
If you have concerns about your spouse, you need to speak with your attorney and work through the courts. Taking matters into your own hands is not a good idea. Even worse is making things up that are untrue about your spouse and claiming that as justification for violating a custody order.
Child custody matters can be difficult in the best of times but attempt to better your position by denigrating your spouse will never work, will raise questions of your credibility on every other matter in your case, and are unlikely to benefit your children.
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