Mark Ludwig: Fighting Parental Alienation and Championing Equal Shared Parenting

Mark Ludwig from St. Louis has become one of the most recognized voices in the movement to fight parental alienation and promote equal shared parenting. His mission was born out of a deeply personal struggle—204 days without seeing his son after a painful custody battle. During that time, Ludwig began writing daily entries in a journal for his son, determined that one day his child would know he had always been loved, even if they were kept apart. That journal continues to this day and symbolizes the foundation of his advocacy: ensuring that children never lose the love and involvement of both parents.

Ludwig is the founder and driving force behind Americans for Equal Shared Parenting, a national organization committed to changing the way family courts handle custody cases. Drawing on more than 35 years in Missouri politics, including experience as a campaign manager, advisor, and even a congressional candidate, Ludwig uses his knowledge of legislative processes to push for meaningful reform. He has spoken with hundreds of lawmakers across nearly 30 states, appeared in countless media interviews, and helped organize the first Equal Shared Parenting conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together legislators and family rights advocates from across the country.

Central to Ludwig’s mission is a legislative model known as “50/50 rebuttable presumption.” This approach makes equal custody the default starting point in family court, unless there is clear evidence showing that another arrangement is better for the child. He believes this model offers the most child-centered solution, reducing conflict between parents while ensuring children maintain strong, loving relationships with both sides of their family. Under his leadership, several states have already passed equal parenting laws, and many more are considering similar legislation.

Ludwig emphasizes that his work is grounded in research. Studies consistently show that children do best emotionally, academically, and socially when they have substantial time with both parents. He often points to findings that children in equal shared parenting arrangements show fewer behavioral problems, perform better in school, and develop stronger emotional resilience. This evidence forms the backbone of his advocacy, countering the long‑standing narrative that one parent—often the father—should be relegated to a secondary role after separation or divorce.

Beyond legislation, Ludwig is passionate about equipping everyday parents to become advocates. Through his organization, he offers detailed manuals and training courses that teach people how to meet with lawmakers, craft persuasive messages, and navigate the legislative process. His goal is to build a grassroots movement powerful enough to reshape the way America thinks about parenting after divorce or separation.

At the heart of Ludwig’s message is a simple truth: children need both parents. He challenges the adversarial nature of family courts, which often pit parents against each other in battles that leave children caught in the middle. He argues that the system, influenced by outdated norms and financial incentives, too often prioritizes conflict over cooperation. By promoting equal shared parenting, Ludwig believes society can reduce divorce-related litigation, lower legal costs, and most importantly, create healthier outcomes for children.

Mark Ludwig’s story is both personal and political. It’s the story of a father who refused to give up on his son, and of an advocate who transformed his pain into a national movement. His work continues to inspire countless parents across the country who are fighting for the chance to remain a meaningful part of their children’s lives.