Legal Definitions - enticement of a parent

Enticement of a Parent is a legal concept, recognized in some jurisdictions, that describes a civil wrong (known as a tort) where a third party improperly interferes with a child's fundamental right to maintain a relationship with their parent. This typically occurs when an outside individual persuades or induces a parent to abandon their child, causing significant harm to the child's interests and the parent-child bond.

It is important to note that claims based on enticement of a parent are exceedingly rare and often unsuccessful. This is primarily because many legal systems do not formally recognize a child's specific legal right to a parent's companionship, care, or affection (sometimes referred to as "consortium").

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Influence by a New Partner

  Imagine a situation where a new romantic partner actively convinces a parent to leave their existing family, including their minor children, and completely sever all contact and support. The new partner might persuade the parent that their children are a burden, or that a new life without them would be better. If the parent subsequently abandons their children, the children (through a legal guardian) might attempt to bring an "enticement of a parent" claim against the new partner. The argument would be that the partner's actions directly caused the parent to abandon the children, thereby interfering with the children's right to a relationship with that parent.

• Example 2: Persuasion by a Cult Leader

  Consider a scenario where a charismatic leader of a secluded group or cult persuades a parent to join their organization, demanding that the parent completely disassociate from their previous life, including abandoning their minor child. The leader might convince the parent that their child is a distraction from their "true calling" or spiritual path. If the parent follows this advice and abandons their child, the child's legal representative could potentially argue that the cult leader's actions constituted enticement of a parent, as the leader induced the parent to sever the parent-child relationship.

• Example 3: Manipulation for Financial Gain

  Suppose a manipulative business associate convinces a parent that the only way to achieve immense wealth and success is to completely cut ties with their family, including their children, and relocate to a distant country without any communication. The associate might argue that family responsibilities are holding the parent back and that true success requires absolute dedication to their joint venture. If the parent, swayed by this influence, abandons their children and ceases all contact, the children might attempt to pursue a claim of enticement of a parent against the business associate, alleging that the associate's inducement led to the abandonment and the destruction of their parental relationship.