Parental Alienation - What is it and How do Family Courts view it?
- Michael Capleone, Sr.
- 19 hours ago
- 6 min read
Parental alienation is one of the most painful and destructive dynamics that can unfold during and after a divorce or custody dispute. As an attorney who has practiced family law in Alabama for over 22+ years, I have seen firsthand how alienation tears at the fabric of parent-child relationships. It leaves one parent isolated, while the child is often caught in a cycle of manipulation and confusion. Understanding parental alienation is not only critical for protecting your rights as a parent but also for safeguarding the emotional well-being of your child. In this article, I want to give you a clear picture of what alienation looks like, why it happens, how courts view it, and what steps you can take right now if you believe you are experiencing it.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent deliberately or subtly undermines the relationship between the child and the other parent. It may involve bad-mouthing, interfering with visitation, planting false memories, or manipulating the child into believing that the targeted parent is unsafe, unloving, or unworthy of trust. Alienation can be blatant — like refusing to allow phone calls or outright blocking visits. But it is often more insidious: offhand remarks, exaggerated criticisms, or repeated suggestions that the other parent does not care.
Over time, these behaviors can erode the child’s natural bond and create long-term psychological damage.
Why Does It Happen?
In my experience, parental alienation is almost never about the child. It is about control, revenge, or unresolved emotional pain between the adults. The alienating parent may:
Seek to punish the other parent for leaving the relationship.
Feel threatened by the bond between the child and the other parent.
Want to tilt custody decisions in their favor.
Struggle with their own unresolved trauma or narcissistic traits.
Sadly, children are the collateral damage in this battle. Instead of enjoying the love and guidance of two parents, they are pulled into an unhealthy alliance with one and estranged from the other.
How Courts View Parental Alienation
Family courts place the best interests of the child above all else. Judges know that children generally benefit from having both parents involved in their lives. When evidence of alienation surfaces, the court may consider it a serious factor in custody decisions.
Examples of judicial responses I have seen include:
Ordering counseling or reunification therapy.
Modifying visitation schedules to reduce alienating behaviors.
In extreme cases, transferring primary custody to the targeted parent.
But here’s the challenge: proving parental alienation is not simple. Courts need clear, documented evidence. General complaints or emotional testimony often fall short. That’s why building a careful, strategic record is absolutely essential.
Signs That Alienation May Be Happening
Parents often ask me how to know if what they are experiencing is truly alienation or simply normal adjustment issues after a divorce. Here are some common warning signs:
Your child suddenly refuses to spend time with you without a clear explanation.
Your child repeats negative phrases about you that sound rehearsed.
Communication during your parenting time is constantly interrupted by the other parent.
The other parent blocks calls, texts, or visits without legitimate reasons.
You feel like you are constantly defending yourself against false claims.
If these patterns sound familiar, it is time to take the situation seriously and protect both yourself and your child.
Steps You Can Take Immediately
Dealing with parental alienation requires both emotional resilience and legal strategy. Based on my decades of practice, here are some immediate actions you should consider:
Document Everything: Keep a journal of missed visits, blocked calls, or inappropriate remarks. Save texts, emails, and voicemails.
Stay Calm with Your Child: Do not retaliate or speak negatively about the other parent. Focus on reassuring your child of your love and stability.
Seek Professional Guidance: Therapists familiar with alienation can provide valuable assessments and testimony.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney: The sooner you have legal guidance, the stronger your case will be.
Why Knowledge Is Power
I have written a powerful guide on parental alienation for parents nationwide. In it, I break down the legal strategy, emotional strategy, powerful tips and realities you need to know if you are facing this devastating problem. My goal is simple: to empower you with tools that can protect your relationship with your child.
If you found this blog eye-opening, you will find the guide indispensable. It is designed to go far deeper than a blog post ever could, walking you step by step through what to expect and how to prepare.
Closing Thoughts
Parental alienation is not just a legal issue; it is a human crisis. It affects your child’s identity, your family’s stability, and your own sense of justice. The good news is that you are not powerless. With knowledge, documentation, and skilled legal advocacy, alienation can be challenged and overcome. If you believe you are facing parental alienation, take action today. Do not wait for the bond with your child to erode further. I invite you to explore my full guide on parental alienation — it may be the lifeline you and your child need right now.
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.
