Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island

Re: Step-mom ''bashing''

You pose a very problematic issue that has plagued many cases but which the court has considerable difficulty addressing, and with good reason. You are simply dealing with a mother who is trying to alienate the step-mother.

Many people would see this a poor behavior on the mother's part and that it "might" have a detrimental effect on the 5 year old if allowed to continue. However, it is virtually impossible for the court to control and monitor what the mother says to the daughter. Even if your husband were to seek primary placement of the daughter, the mother would most likely be granted visitation despite her behavior.

Practically speaking, even the court has limits to what it can do in family situations. This is one of those times. Since the statements are directed at you and not your husband, there is very little that can be done to actually achieve the result that you want, namely to have the little girl's mother stop making such statements to her.

I regret that this is certainly not what you wanted to hear. I wish you the best in this difficult situation.