During a divorce, one spouse sometimes alleges the other spouse abuses the couple’s children physically, mentally, emotionally, or sexually—or endangers the well-being of the children by exposing them to inappropriate and illegal behavior such as the use and selling of illegal drugs. Allegations of child abuse are especially serious and the courts treat them as such—often involving child protective services and the district attorney’s office, which may result in the filing of criminal charges.

A spouse who reports the other spouse’s abuse or child endangerment may unexpectedly face allegations and charges for participating in, facilitating, or failing to stop or previously report such behavior, allowing it to continue.

And although parents have an obligation to report child abuse, it is a criminal offense to intentionally make a false report of child abuse to gain advantage in a child custody or divorce lawsuit, for example.

In Connecticut, during a divorce, allegations of child abuse or endangerment by one spouse against the other are taken very seriously by the courts. The state's legal framework mandates the involvement of child protective services and potentially the district attorney's office if there is evidence of abuse or endangerment, which could lead to criminal charges. Connecticut law requires parents to report suspected child abuse, but it also criminalizes the act of making false reports of child abuse. False allegations made to gain an advantage in divorce or custody proceedings are not only unethical but also illegal. If a spouse is accused of abuse or endangerment, they may also face scrutiny for any potential role in facilitating or failing to prevent the alleged behavior. The state's priority is the safety and well-being of the children involved, and the legal system is structured to address these concerns while also safeguarding against the misuse of allegations.