FFP 18: 13 Years of Fighting: A Father's Journey Through Alienation

04/03/25 • 42 min

Fractured Families Podcast Fighting Parental Alienation

Summary:

In this powerful episode of the Fractured Family Podcast, host Charity sits down with Michael, an alienated father of two boys. Michael opens up about his harrowing 13-year battle through the family court system and the manipulative tactics used by his ex-wife to sever his relationship with his children. From emotional and financial abuse to false accusations and court-imposed barriers, Michael candidly shares the highs and lows of his journey. Despite the trauma, Michael fought to stay connected to his sons, fostering resilience, empathy, and healing for himself and his family. He also discusses his transformative book The Sword That Divides, which offers insight into manipulation and control, disguised as a compelling hero’s journey.

📝 Key Talking Points:

Michael’s background: Father of two boys, 13-year custody and alienation battle.
The early signs of parental alienation and coercive control by his ex-wife.
Financial struggles, long-distance parenting, and the sacrifices he made to maintain contact.
The emotional manipulation his children endured, including isolation and being used as pawns.
His discovery of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how it clarified his experience.
Calling Child Protective Services and navigating the court system to advocate for his sons.
The role of documentation and evidence in custody battles.
His son's courage in confronting emotional abuse and breaking free from control.
The creation of The Sword That Divides—a memoir and guide on manipulation and healing.
Advice for other alienated parents: staying connected, documenting everything, and self-healing.
The role of faith and spiritual resilience in Michael’s family’s healing journey.

✨ Key Takeaways:

Never Stop Fighting for Your Children
Michael’s perseverance, despite countless obstacles, shows the power of unwavering love and dedication.
Documentation is Critical
Keeping meticulous records over the years provided crucial evidence to counter false accusations and manipulation.
Understanding Narcissistic Abuse is Empowering
Learning about NPD and coercive control helped Michael make sense of his experience and strategize effectively.
Connection Can Overcome Alienation
His efforts to relate to his children—through shared interests, empathy, and understanding—created a bond that survived alienation tactics.
Healing Comes Through Awareness and Community
Writing his book and connecting with others facing similar experiences has been therapeutic for Michael and his family.
The Fight May Be Costly, but the Reward is Priceless
Michael’s sons now understand their truth and have gained independence and strength, proving the fight was worth it.

Thank you for listening to the Fractured Families Podcast. If this story resonates with you or you’ve experienced parental alienation, we want to hear your voice.
👉 Be our guest! Share your story and join the fight for awareness by signing up here: https://tally.so/r/w710AP
📲 Follow Charity:
https://www.facebook.com/ParentalAlienationisReal
https://www.tiktok.com/@parentalalienationisreal
https://www.instagram.com/parentalalienationisreal/
Together, we can amplify the voices of alienated parents and fight for change. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more episodes.
🎙️ Let’s rebuild fractured families.
#FracturedFamiliesPodcast #parentalalienationisreal #FamilyCourtReform #ParentalRights #ChildCustody #Resilience #HopeAndHealing #Podcast #p

Support the show

Send us a text

Summary:

📝 Key Talking Points:

Michael’s background: Father of two boys, 13-year custody and alienation battle.
The early signs of parental alienation and coercive control by his ex-wife.
Financial struggles, long-distance parenting, and the sacrifices he made to maintain contact.
The emotional manipulation his children endured, including isolation and being used as pawns.
His discovery of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how it clarified his experience.
Calling Child Protective Services and navigating the court system to advocate for his sons.
The role of documentation and evidence in custody battles.
His son's courage in confronting emotional abuse and breaking free from control.
The creation of The Sword That Divides—a memoir and guide on manipulation and healing.
Advice for other alienated parents: staying connected, documenting everything, and self-healing.
The role of faith and spiritual resilience in Michael’s family’s healing journey.

✨ Key Takeaways:

Never Stop Fighting for Your Children
Michael’s perseverance, despite countless obstacles, shows the power of unwavering love and dedication.
Documentation is Critical
Keeping meticulous records over the years provided crucial evidence to counter false accusations and manipulation.
Understanding Narcissistic Abuse is Empowering
Learning about NPD and coercive control helped Michael make sense of his experience and strategize effectively.
Connection Can Overcome Alienation
His efforts to relate to his children—through shared interests, empathy, and understanding—created a bond that survived alienation tactics.
Healing Comes Through Awareness and Community
Writing his book and connecting with others facing similar experiences has been therapeutic for Michael and his family.
The Fight May Be Costly, but the Reward is Priceless
Michael’s sons now understand their truth and have gained independence and strength, proving the fight was worth it.

Support the show

Previous Episode

FFP 17: Holding Onto Hope in the Face of Alienation

Send us a text

Summary

In this heart-wrenching and courageous episode of Fractured Family, Charity welcomes Luis Trejo Villanueva, a devoted father from Chile, originally from Venezuela. Luis shares his deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience as he fights to maintain a relationship with his son, Mateo, in the face of parental alienation and an uphill legal battle. Through emotional recounting, Luis offers a raw look at the emotional toll, false allegations, and legal challenges alienated parents face. Yet, his story is also one of hope, faith, and unwavering commitment to his child. If you're navigating a similar journey, this episode offers validation, practical insights, and a reminder that you're not alone.

💬 Key Talking Points

Luis’ Background & Journey to Chile
The Relationship’s Downward Spiral
Birth of Mateo and Early Fatherhood
The Onset of Parental Alienation
Legal Battles and False Allegations
The Emotional and Financial Toll
Small Victories and Shared Care
The Heartbreak of Mateo’s Disappearance
Faith and Hope as Anchors

✅ Key Takeaways

Endurance is Essential: In custody battles involving parental alienation, you may be cast as the villain. Stay focused, remain patient, and trust the process.
Documentation Can Save You: Record interactions when it’s legal and safe. These records may become critical evidence later.
You Are Enough: Alienation can damage your self-worth. Constantly remind yourself that you are a good parent.
Faith and Support Networks Matter: Lean on your spirituality, family, friends, and community for strength.
Your Child Needs You to Fight: Even when separated or alienated, your consistent love and efforts create a foundation your child may one day recognize.
Avoid Victim Mentality: Staying strong and proactive is more powerful than feeling like a victim, even in painful circumstances.

my email: [email protected]
Linkin : LRTV1988
IG: @trejovluisr

Together, we can amplify the voices of alienated parents and fight for change. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more episodes.
🎙️ Let’s rebuild fractured families.
#FracturedFamiliesPodcast #parentalalienationisreal #FamilyCourtReform #ParentalRights #ChildCustody #Resilience #HopeAndHealing #Podcast #parentalalienation

Support the show

Next Episode

FFP 19: A Stepmom’s Heartbreaking Journey Through Alienation

Send us a text

Summary:

In this deeply moving episode of The Fractured Family Podcast, Charity sits down with Nicole, a devoted stepmother from Illinois. For eight years, Nicole has stood by her husband as they navigate the harrowing experience of being alienated from his daughter. Nicole shares raw and candid insights into how subtle signs of alienation grew into a heartbreaking rift, the role of the legal system and guardians ad litem, and the devastating impact this has had on their family. She offers hope, hard-earned wisdom, and a reminder that no one facing parental alienation is ever truly alone.

📝 Talking Points:

Nicole’s Story: The Beginning of Alienation
- How alienation began even before Nicole entered their lives.
- Early red flags: subtle behaviors that hinted at something deeper.
The Subtle Signs Turned Severe
- Shift in the child’s behavior over time.
- The other parent’s influence: control, manipulation, and false narratives.
Life Under a Microscope: Navigating Visitation
- 50/50 custody that feels anything but equal.
- Walking on eggshells during parenting time.
The Legal System and Guardian ad Litem Challenges
- How narcissists manipulate the system and present well in short meetings.
- The guardian ad litem’s failure to recognize or address alienation.
The Impact on the Child
- Emotional and relational struggles, despite academic success.
- The long-term psychological harm caused by being used as a pawn.
The Toll on Nicole as a Stepmom
- The heartbreak of losing a relationship she nurtured for years.
- The stress on her marriage and family.
Hope, Healing, and Moving Forward
- Their hopes for the custody evaluation outcome.
- Nicole’s advice to other alienated parents and stepparents.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Parental alienation often starts subtly and can escalate over time, leaving targeted parents and stepparents feeling blindsided.
Narcissistic and high-conflict parents can manipulate both the child and the legal system, presenting well to professionals like guardians ad litem while engaging in abusive behaviors behind the scenes.
Alienated children often perform well in school or other areas, masking deep emotional harm. Academic success does not mean they are unaffected.
Step-parents can be deeply impacted, experiencing profound heartbreak and stress as they support their spouse and fight for a child they love.
The legal system frequently fails to recognize or address parental alienation, making knowledgeable professionals like custody evaluators critical in these cases.
You are not alone. Thousands of families are going through similar struggles, and sharing stories can bring understanding and healing.

Thank you for listening to the Fractured Families Podcast. If this story resonates with you or you’ve experienced parental alienation, we want to hear your voice
👉 Be our guest! Share your story and join the fight for awareness by signing up here: https://tally.so/r/w710AP
📲 Follow Charity:
https://www.facebook.com/ParentalAlienationisReal
https://www.tiktok.com/@parentalalienationisreal
https://www.instagram.com/parentalalienationisreal/
Together, we can amplify the voices of alienated parents and fight for change. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more episodes.
🎙️ Let’s rebuild fractured families.
#FracturedFamiliesPodcast #parentalalienationi

Support the show