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My Ex Uses My Child as a Messenger – How to Set Boundaries Without Hurting My Kid

  • Writer: Michael Capleone, Sr.
    Michael Capleone, Sr.
  • Apr 16
  • 4 min read

Updated: May 21

It’s a common tactic in toxic co-parenting dynamics: your ex refuses direct communication and instead uses your child as a go-between. This isn’t just annoying—it’s emotionally harmful to your child and unfair to you. Your child isn’t a courier. But when your ex constantly sends messages through them, you’re put in a painful position: protect your kid’s emotional well-being while dealing with a manipulative co-parent. This guide gives you practical scripts, emotional tools, and legal boundary-setting strategies that protect your peace without putting your child in the middle.


In the guide, Hoover, Alabama family law attorney Michael Capleone explains:


  • Why using kids as messengers is damaging

  • What Alabama courts say about parental communication

  • How to set firm, respectful boundaries

  • Examples of what to say to your child when they’re put in the middle

  • Red flags that your ex’s behavior may escalate to parental alienation


Often times after divorce, many ex spouses use children as messengers. This is damaging for many reasons, but mostly because it emotionally places them in the middle of things. I've written a simple guide to help in these circumstances.


This situation isn’t just uncomfortable—it can create long-term emotional consequences for your child. Learn how to respond in a way that protects your child while documenting your ex’s behavior properly.


You're not alone—and you're not powerless. 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. 


Download the Guide Here!

Need more step-by-step legal strategies? Download these focused guides:


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.


Man in sunglasses holds a jacket and bag, standing outside glass doors. He's in a white shirt and tie; warning sign visible beside him.
Attorney Michael Capleone

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