Broken guardians & Collateral damage:
​how family court & cps fueled child alianation

We bring you another powerful episode as we sit down with Maryann Petri. she is an Investigative Journalist, Author, & Host of the popular Slam the Gavel podcast. Maryann is an advocate for parents targeted by a deeply flawed family court system. After nearly a decade of co-parenting, her life was upended when her ex-husband remarried someone with deep connections within the courthouse. What followed was a nightmare of false allegations, Child Protective Services intervention, and a courtroom drama driven by collusion and corruption. Maryann’s story sheds light on the systemic issues within family courts, where personal biases and financial incentives often lead to devastating consequences for families. Through resilience and unwavering determination, she fought back against a system trying to break her spirit. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in justice, human rights, and the urgent need for reform in family law.

Key Discussion Points:
  • Parental Alienation: The subtle but destructive ways children are turned against one parent during custody disputes.
  • Corruption in Family Courts: Maryann’s firsthand experience with collusion between judges, attorneys, and CPS officials.
  • Surviving the Legal System: How Maryann overcame false accusations and relentless legal battles.
  • CPS Failures: Why Maryann believes Child Protective Services should be abolished and replaced with a more transparent system.
  • Mental Health Impact: The emotional toll of family court battles and how Maryann dealt with complex PTSD.
Key Highlights:
  • [00:05] Introduction to Maryann Petri and her advocacy work
  • [03:10] Maryann’s story: Parental alienation and its devastating effects
  • [07:25] How corruption in the family court system operates and impacts families
  • [15:40] False allegations and dealing with CPS: Maryann’s harrowing encounters
  • [22:55] How parents can protect themselves when facing family court battles
  • [30:20] The financial motivations behind family court decisions
  • [41:15] Maryann’s advice for other parents: What to do if you're targeted
Top Quotes:
  • “Parental alienation starts in the smallest, most insidious ways—one parent slowly turning the child against the other.”
  • “The family court system is not broken; it's designed to create conflict and profit off families’ pain.”
  • “Dealing with CPS was a nightmare—they’re part of the system that needs to be dismantled for good.”
Takeaways:
  • Family court corruption is a widespread issue that needs reform.
  • False allegations are used as tools to manipulate custody outcomes, often backed by corrupt legal networks.
  • Parents need to document everything, seek legal counsel, and prepare for long battles when dealing with family courts.
  • Mental health support is crucial for parents enduring family court struggles and alienation.
Resources Mentioned:
  • Book: Dismantling Family Court Corruption: Why Taking the Kids Was Not Enough by Maryann Petri
  • Podcast: Slam the Gavel – Hosted by Maryann Petri, covering family court and legal system issues.
  • Child Protective Services Alternatives: Explore ideas and organizations promoting CPS reform and abolition.
Connect with Maryann Petri: Follow Super Daddy Club: