Parallel Parenting and Professionals: How to Communicate with GALs, DHR, and Therapists the Right Way
- Michael Capleone, Sr.
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
In parallel parenting cases, how you communicate with third-party professionals—like the Guardian ad Litem (GAL), DHR, and therapists—can make or break your custody position.
What Is Parallel Parenting—and How Is It Different from Co-Parenting?
Parallel parenting is a structured approach to shared parenting that limits direct interaction between high-conflict parents. Unlike co-parenting, which requires collaboration, flexibility, and regular communication, parallel parenting is designed for situations where contact between parents causes more harm than good—especially in cases involving narcissistic behavior, emotional abuse, or ongoing litigation.
In parallel parenting, both parents remain involved in the child’s life, but they operate independently. Each parent makes day-to-day decisions during their custodial time without consulting the other unless the issue is significant or court-ordered. Communication is typically done in writing, often through court-approved apps like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents, which create time-stamped, admissible records.
This method helps reduce conflict, avoid manipulation, and shield the child from ongoing parental hostility. It also shows the court that the stable parent is making a genuine effort to create peace and structure.
Key Differences Between Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting:
Aspect | Co-Parenting | Parallel Parenting |
Communication | Frequent, direct (text, calls, in person) | Minimal, structured (written, app-based) |
Decision-making | Collaborative | Independent within each parent’s time |
Flexibility | High—often requires compromise | Low—rigid structure avoids conflict |
Conflict Tolerance | Works best with low conflict | Designed for high-conflict situations |
Court Perception | Shows cooperation | Shows boundaries, emotional safety |
Parallel parenting isn’t a failure to co-parent—it’s a strategic legal and emotional solution when cooperation is impossible. If one parent is abusive, manipulative, or incapable of respectful communication, forcing co-parenting can actually harm the child.
In those situations, parallel parenting is a protective framework that lets both parents participate in the child’s life without subjecting the child—or the court—to toxic conflict.
It’s not about “winning.” It’s about providing structure, reducing stress, and demonstrating maturity, boundaries, and child-focused intent—all of which serve you well in front of a judge, a guardian ad litem, or a custody evaluator.
With GALs:
Be concise, professional, and child-focused. Avoid badmouthing the other parent. Instead:
Stick to documented facts
Provide communication logs from your parenting app
Frame everything around what benefits your child
Example:
“Here is a log of communication breakdowns. I’ve followed the court order and tried to keep the process structured. My goal is to keep our child’s life as calm as possible.”
With DHR:
If DHR gets involved, the burden shifts to you to stay calm and cooperative—without surrendering your rights.
Speak respectfully
Never speculate—just state facts and timelines
Provide documents, not accusations
Your tone should say: “I’m focused on my child, not conflict.”
With Therapists and School Staff:
Don’t try to “win” the therapist. Focus on:
Supporting your child’s emotional needs
Providing background info only when appropriate
Ensuring therapy goals are child-centered, not court-centered
Ask:
“How can I support what’s being worked on in sessions, without disrupting the therapeutic process?”
This shows you’re the steady parent—not the manipulative one.
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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.
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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.
