Coercive Control in Custody Disputes: Legal Tools & Best Practices

Abuse in family law isn’t always physical. Increasingly, courts and attorneys are recognizing the damaging effects of coercive control—a pattern of emotional, psychological, or financial abuse that can deeply affect both the co-parenting dynamic and the well-being of children.

If you’re navigating a custody case and suspect coercive control is at play—or if you’re being unfairly accused—understanding your legal options is critical.

What Is Coercive Control?

Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used to dominate or isolate a partner or ex-partner. It’s often subtle, persistent, and psychological. Common examples include:

• Constant monitoring or excessive texting
• Isolating the other parent from friends and family
• Financial manipulation or control of shared assets
• Gaslighting or emotional intimidation
• Threatening to withhold access to the children

Even after a relationship ends, coercive control can continue through manipulative co-parenting, which courts take very seriously.

How Georgia Courts Are Responding

While Georgia does not yet have specific coercive control statutes like some other states, judges can and do consider this behavior when deciding:

• Legal custody (who gets to make major decisions)
• Parenting time schedules
• Supervised visitation
• Whether joint parenting is in the child’s best interest

Evidence of coercive control can influence whether a parent is seen as cooperative—or as a risk to the child’s emotional health.

Proving Coercive Control in Court

It’s not always easy to prove emotional abuse. But courts can consider:

• Texts, emails, or voicemails showing threats or manipulation
• Witness testimony from family, friends, or therapists
• Financial records showing withholding of funds or sabotage
• Police reports, protective orders, or counselor statements

Keep a record of all interactions and communications. The more documentation you have, the more you can demonstrate patterns of behavior.

If You’re a Victim

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your children:

• Set firm communication boundaries—use written forms like email or parenting apps.
• Involve a therapist or child advocate—they can support your child and provide reports if needed.
• Consider parallel parenting—a custody approach that limits direct contact between high-conflict parents.
• Work with a family law attorney who understands trauma-informed legal strategy and can help present your case effectively.

If You’re Accused of Coercive Control

False accusations do happen—and they can affect your custody rights. If you’re facing these claims:

• Stay calm and avoid reactive communication
• Document all positive interactions with your child
• Follow court orders and parenting plans to the letter
• Get legal representation to help clear up the record and defend your intentions

The Goal: Protecting the Child’s Emotional Safety

Whether you’re trying to protect yourself or fight a false narrative, the focus must stay on your child’s well-being. Judges want to see parents who act in good faith, encourage healthy relationships, and avoid toxic conflict.

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📞Concerned about controlling behavior in your custody case—or being unfairly blamed?

Schedule a consultation with us by calling 404-494-0027 or visiting www.southatlantafamilylaw.com. We’re here to protect your rights, your peace, and your child’s future.

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