Indiana Court of Appeals

Marianne Lawrence Hanson (Alienator) vs. Edward Joseph Spolnik (Target Parent)

August 29, 1995

Join me as I explore this precedential 1995 custody case at the Indiana Court of Appeals. In this appeal, Marianne Lawrence Hanson (mother) challenges a decision that granted sole legal & physical custody of her 4-year-old daughter to Edward Joseph Spolnik, Jr. (father) largely due to her relentless use of parental alienation tactics.

In this analysis, we examine Dr. Richard Lawlor's expert testimony as a child psychologist, revealing the deep psychological impact of these alienation tactics on the child and the extent to which Marianne attempted to sever the father-daughter bond. Hear direct quotes from Marianne which reveal an angry narcissist intent on destruction.

Key legal issues include whether a "substantial change in circumstances" warranted the custody modification, the fairness of Marianne’s visitation restrictions, her responsibility for Edward’s attorney fees, and her contempt ruling for breaching a restraining order. Discover how child psychology insights shaped this custody ruling and how this court weighed the best interests of the child in this complex alienation case.

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“Hanson v. Spolnik.” Justia Law, 2024, law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/1997/32a01-9703-cv-79-8.html. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.