Q: Is repeated attempts at contact from my estranged mother considered harassment?
My mother and stepfather have been estranged from me and my nuclear family (wife and children) for over a year due to my abusive childhood and their narcissistic and abusive qualities towards me and my wife in my adulthood.
I have received several texts from my mother that blatantly ignore my requests for her to stop contacting me. My stepfather has sent me several threatening and name calling texts. I did not respond. I have kept all of these text messages and I have blocked both of their numbers. The texts I would receive caused me and my family emotional distress.
My mother has continuously been sending packages to my house. These packages also cause emotional distress.
Is this considered harassment if I have asked her repeatedly to stop contacting me, my wife, and my children yet she ignores this and sends packages anyway? I know I can return to sender the packages, but I want them to stop coming to my house. Is there any legal action I can take?
A: The texts if threatening would give you a right to a court no-contact order. Packages without more are iffy. A court would say don't open them or return them. Contact a member of the NC Advocates for Justice--they give free consults.
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