While Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a rare occurrence (an estimated 1,000 of the 2.5 million cases of child abuse reported annually are related to MSP), it is an extremely serious form of child abuse that can become an issue during divorce. Learn to recognize the signs of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and what steps to take if you believe it is occurring.

Divorce can be fraught with tension and emotion, which can spiral out of control if one spouse becomes focused on harming the other or becomes overreactive. Perhaps there is no greater example of this dynamic than a false allegation of child abuse during divorce proceedings. If you become the victim of this type of fictitious claim, it is important that you follow certain steps to address these allegations immediately and vigorously protect yourself against a variety of negative outcomes - including loss of timesharing or visitation rights, loss of employment, ruined reputation and even incarceration.

Living in such a beautiful place, along the coast of southeast Florida (whether it is in Jupiter or Wellington), does not grant one immunity from disturbing statistics of divorce, child custody battles, child abuse, and how they complicate each other. Allegations that one spouse abused a child, dramatically impacts a case during divorce and the lives of its participants. Although the majority of child abuse accusations are true, the number of false accusations is growing.

A mother’s love is eternal, nurturing, encouraging.
A father’s love is abiding, instructing and motivating.
But occasionally mom and dad have a hard time loving each other. They get divorced. Sometimes when reasonable people divorce, accusations fly as to how allegedly unfit, unlovable and irresponsible a soon to be “Ex” is in regards to children.