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Communicating with DHR, CPS, Guardian ad Litem, and Therapists After Alienation

  • Writer: Michael Capleone, Sr.
    Michael Capleone, Sr.
  • Jul 17
  • 6 min read

You Are Still Their Parent: Strength and Hope Through Parental Alienation

Parental alienation can feel like watching your child slowly slip away while you remain helpless on the sidelines. Maybe your child suddenly acts cold, repeats words they don’t understand, or resists time with you despite a once-loving bond. It’s gut-wrenching. It’s isolating. And it’s unfair. But I want you to hear this clearly: You are still their parent. You matter. And this chapter is not the end of your story. Alienation thrives in silence and hopelessness—but your power lies in consistency, truth, and showing up. The alienating parent may twist facts, rewrite history, and paint you as the villain. But time has a way of revealing truth. Courts may move slowly. Systems may seem flawed. But if you remain steady—documenting facts, showing love, following court orders, and taking care of yourself—your presence will speak louder than their manipulation.

You may feel like giving up. Don’t. Your child needs you—even if they don’t know it right now. They need one stable, safe, and loving parent who doesn’t retaliate, who doesn’t stoop to toxic tactics, and who keeps showing up with calm, respectful determination.


Talk to a trusted attorney. Surround yourself with supportive professionals. Let therapists, guardians, and judges see the truth over time through your words, behavior, and consistent efforts. Most importantly, stay grounded in who you are—not in what the alienating parent says you are. You’re not powerless. You’re not forgotten. And you are not alone.


Healing is possible. Reconnection is possible. And if you hold the line now—legally, emotionally, and spiritually—you stand a real chance of restoring the bond that parental alienation tried to sever. You are still their parent. Don’t forget it. Don’t surrender it.


Dealing with outside agencies can be daunting—especially when your ex has portrayed you as the villain. In high-conflict custody situations, how you present yourself to DHR, CPS, Guardian ad Litem (GAL), and mental health professionals can determine your future with your child.


Step 1: Stay Calm and Consistent

When professionals get involved, they are looking for stability, clarity, and consistency. You may be frustrated by false allegations, but never show hostility.

  • Remain polite and cooperative

  • Focus on facts, not emotions

  • Keep your answers brief and neutral


Step 2: Provide Documentation

Come prepared with:

  • Visitation records

  • Missed calls or blocked messages

  • Notes from therapy (if applicable)

  • Emails/texts that show parental interference

Make it easy for professionals to see the pattern of alienation without you appearing vindictive.


Step 3: Communicate with the GAL or Caseworker

The GAL is supposed to represent your child’s best interests. When speaking with them:

  • Highlight the importance of the child having both parents

  • Avoid attacking the other parent

  • Emphasize your desire for stability and healing

Step 4: Talk to Therapists Carefully

If your child is in therapy, it’s crucial to:

  • Respect the therapist’s neutrality

  • Avoid pressuring the therapist for an outcome

  • Ask how you can support your child’s mental health

If the therapist notes signs of manipulation or emotional abuse, this may be documented and helpful in court.


Step 5: Handle DHR or CPS Investigations Smartly

If DHR/CPS is involved due to allegations:

  • Cooperate fully

  • Request interviews be recorded or documented

  • Provide your own evidence calmly and clearly

Don’t argue the injustice—demonstrate stability and love for your child.


Your reputation with these professionals matters. The goal is to ensure they see you as the calm, child-focused parent who wants to reestablish a healthy relationship—despite the storm your ex may have created.


You're not alone—and you're not powerless. These simple, but informative and powerful guides that are strategic, legal, and provide sharp emotional tools that work. These guides are inexpensive, give you valuable knowledge, and peace of mind in addressing the issue you’re facing at a fraction of what it would cost to receive this same information from an in-person consultation with a professional.    


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—Written by Michael L. Capleone, Esq. | Alabama Family Law Attorney | All rights reserved.


Visit the website to explore resources: https://attorneymlc2003.wixsite.com/website.


About Michael Capleone, Attorney at Law 

Michael Capleone is a seasoned family law attorney based in Hoover, Alabama, with over 22+ years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, including divorce, child custody, parental rights, grandparent’s rights, military divorces, petition for protection from abuse, CPS and DHR matters, father’s rights, mother’s rights, relationship advice, pets/ animal custody when a relationship or marriage ends, and general family law matters, co-parenting, dealing with a narcissist, emotional recovery, and much more! As a licensed practicing attorney since 2003, is a dedicated advocate for his clients, Michael understands the emotional and legal complexities of family law cases and works tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes in his law practice.

Whether you’re dealing with high-conflict custody battles, seeking modifications to child support or visitation, or facing difficult divorce proceedings, having problems with a toxic ex, trying to co-parent with a narcissist. Michael Capleone provides expert legal tips and topic specific information with wisdom and clarity. He is committed to ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected, and their voices are heard in the courtroom. These blogs and guides that he is creating are meant to provide simple, straightforward, helpful, and powerful practical information for people all across the United States of America and beyond. 

These guides are written in a brief and concise way to get you powerful and useful information that you can easily print off in a reasonable small number of pages. Each guide is a concentrated, no-fluff resource — around 4-5 pages packed with professional insight, legal strategy, and emotional survival tactics. They are designed to cover the real pain points people face in courtrooms and custody fights: defending yourself against false accusations, exposing manipulation without looking petty, protecting your financial future, and keeping your relationship with your children strong in the middle of conflict.

For less than the cost of a single attorney consultation, you get targeted strategies built from over 22+ years of real-world family law experience. These aren’t generic blog articles or cookie-cutter templates. Every guide is designed to give you immediate, actionable steps — the same strategies I teach my own clients — adapted for real people dealing with real, high-stakes problems.

If you're serious about defending your rights, protecting your children, and staying one step ahead of a manipulative ex, these guides aren't just helpful — they're essential. They will save you time, reduce your stress, and help you make smarter moves when everything is on the line.

Winning in court isn’t just about having evidence. It’s about understanding the psychology, the patterns, and the legal strategies that judges actually respond to. These guides put that power in your hands. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start taking control, you’re exactly where you need to be!

For more information on Michael Capleone’s legal services or to schedule a consultation. An experienced Hoover, Alabama family law attorney that guides clients through legal strategy, emotional challenges, relationship problems, legal matters and more to achieve the best positive outcomes. Note: Licensed in the State of Alabama only. 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique—please consult with a qualified family law attorney licensed in your jurisdiction to discuss your specific situation. Also, this  blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, psychological, or professional advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship or any other professional-client relationship. The information provided is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, tax professional, psychologist, or other expert regarding your specific situation.

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Attorney Michael Capleone



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