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Maine families navigating the heartbreak of a certain type of post-separation and divorce harm, commonly called “parental alienation,” do not have to look far for hope. A growing national movement, led by Texas father and advocate Robert Garza, has already produced real laws in multiple states, and Maine has every opportunity to be next. After facing 43 false allegations and over 15 years of family court litigation, Garza describes that he transformed his “pain into purpose.” He became the driving force behind Texas Senate Bill 718, the “Time Taken, Time Back” law, enacted in 2023, which restores parenting time lost due to false allegations and interference with parenting time. His reform bills have since been shared with advocates worldwide, and model laws have been adopted or are under consideration in Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Garza’s proposed “Three Strikes Law” imposes a fine for the first and second violations, escalating to stricter discipline on the third. He also requires alienating parents to reimburse the legal fees of the targeted parent caused by their obstructive behavior, and champions court-ordered programs and therapy for affected children, because healing is possible when the harm is finally acknowledged and addressed. Every state, including Maine, can adopt these strategies as written or shape them to fit its own laws. New Hampshire, right next door, is already proving it, with HB1323 “An Act Relative to Parental Alienation,” and is well-poised to become the first U.S. law to legally define parental alienation in custody statutes and require courts to act on parental alienation claims within 60 days. Maine can be next.

Where the reform movement is taking hold:

• Texas (Enacted): SB-718 “Time Taken, Time Back” law and HB3181 targeting custody interference
• North Dakota (Enacted): Landmark law requiring stolen parenting time to be given back
• New Hampshire (In Progress): HB1323 would be the first U.S. law to legally define parental alienation, with a 60-day court timeline for alienation claims
• Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania: Legislation introduced or considered based on Garza’s framework
• Outreach from: California, Washington, North Carolina, New York, and others
• Maine and all 50 states: Versions of Garza’s bills have been adapted for every U.S. state. The tools are ready. Maine families are waiting.

Learn more at www.RobertGarza.us

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With heartfelt care,
a Maine mom

✉︎ alienatedmaine@gmail.com