Summary
Article Overview: Summary:
Frustrated litigants attempting to weaponize federal racketeering laws against ex-spouses and family court professionals face near-certain defeat, as courts consistently reject these creative legal maneuvers. RICO claims in family disputes fail because domestic conflicts—however bitter—lack the criminal enterprise structure, qualifying predicate acts, and business-related injuries that federal anti-racketeering statutes demand.
Overview
Courts regularly dismiss attempts to bring RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) claims in family law contexts. These dismissals reflect the fundamental mismatch between RICO's intended purpose—combating organized crime and criminal enterprises—and domestic relations disputes.
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Common Reasons for Dismissal
Lack of "Enterprise" Element
RICO requires proof of an ongoing criminal enterprise. Family law disputes, even contentious ones involving multiple parties (attorneys, experts, family members), typically don't constitute a RICO enterprise.No Pattern of Racketeering Activity
RICO requires at least two predicate acts of racketeering within a 10-year period. Actions common in family disputes—even alleged fraud, perjury, or conspiracy—generally don't qualify as RICO predicate acts.Domestic Relations Exception
Federal courts traditionally abstain from domestic relations matters under the domestic relations exception to federal jurisdiction.Standing Issues
Plaintiffs often cannot demonstrate the type of injury to "business or property" that RICO requires, as opposed to personal or emotional harm.Maryland Context
Maryland federal courts have consistently followed this pattern, dismissing RICO claims that attempt to reframe family law grievances as racketeering cases. This includes claims against:
- Former spouses
- Family law attorneys
- Custody evaluators
- Judges (who also have judicial immunity)
Key Takeaway
Litigants frustrated with family court outcomes cannot transform their disputes into federal RICO cases, regardless of how they characterize the alleged misconduct.
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References
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Written by Jonathan D. Steele
Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, CEH, ISC2). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.
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