New Insights on Florida's 'Parental Manipulation Exemption' Published by Families for Custodial Justice Founder Robert Glegg

The Op-ed Calls for Urgent Legal Reform to Hold Manipulators Accountable

Families for Custodial Justice, an advocacy organization focused on protecting children and custodial parents, has released a significant new work titled Florida’s “Parental Manipulation Exemption” Must Go: The Case for Changing the Law. Published in the DC Journal, this piece addresses the troubling "Parental Manipulation Exemption" in Florida law, allowing one parent to interfere with custody arrangements without facing civil penalties.

Since criminal liability is rarely enforced, this exemption enables manipulative parents to act without consequence, often leading to what is referred to as "legal kidnapping." The exemption leaves children vulnerable to emotional and psychological harm, undermining the legal system’s role in protecting families. Third parties, as demonstrated in Stone v. Wall (1999), can be held civilly liable for interference with custody, while parents are exempt. This inconsistency fosters a legal loophole that fails to safeguard the welfare of children across the state.

Glegg’s article advocates for the removal of the "Parental Manipulation Exemption" to prevent future harm. If eliminated, custodial parents would have a legal avenue to pursue civil recourse when their custody rights are violated. This change would establish accountability, protecting children from emotional exploitation and significantly helping to ensure that court decisions are respected.

“The time for change is now,” says Glegg. “Children deserve a legal system that protects them, not the manipulating parents.” Through Families for Custodial Justice, Glegg aims to create a legal environment that upholds the best interests of Florida's children and their families.

To read the full article, please visit the DC Journal.

About Families for Custodial Justice

Founded by Robert Glegg, Families for Custodial Justice is dedicated to eliminating Florida’s "Parental Manipulation Exemption" and ensuring fair treatment of children and custodial parents. Glegg, a successful entrepreneur who sold his company to General Electric for $100 million, has now channeled his experience into this advocacy group.

For more information, visit FamiliesForCustodialJustice.com.

Source: Families for Custodial Justice