AITAH for Cutting Off My Sister After She Filed a Fake CPS Report on Me?

OP is a stay-at-home mom with a 3-year-old autistic son who is nonverbal but thriving under her care. She and her husband live a stable life—clean house, well-fed child, and zero substance use. That’s why it came as a total shock when Child Protective Services showed up at their doorstep with claims that OP was on drugs, her husband was an alcoholic, and their home was unfit.

The claims were entirely false. The CPS visit ended quickly with apologies after they saw the clear evidence that the report was baseless. But the damage emotionally? Immense.

After OP vented to her father, the truth came out. Her own sister had filed the fake report—out of pure spite. The sister was angry over a comment OP made about their cousin, who had recently lost custody of her baby due to a drug relapse. OP had said she hoped the cousin would get clean so she could get her child back. Her sister, who is close with the cousin, took that personally, falsely assumed OP reported their cousin to CPS (she didn’t), and decided to “teach her a lesson” by turning CPS on OP instead.

OP was devastated. She blocked her sister, cut contact, and told her parents she was done. Her dad supported her. But her mom insisted “family forgives family,” and now they’re not speaking either. OP is left wondering: AITAH for going no-contact after such a serious betrayal?

Nothing cuts quite as deeply as betrayal from the people who are supposed to love you the most

The author was caring for her happy, nonverbal autistic son but shocked when CPS arrived due to false allegations of use of illegal substances, alcoholism, and neglect

Alright, let’s get real here. This isn’t a petty squabble. This isn’t over a wedding invite or borrowing clothes without asking. This is about weaponizing child welfare systems out of pure spite—and targeting a family with a disabled child.

That crosses the line from “family drama” into emotional abuse and malicious false reporting.

Let’s dig in.

🚨 False CPS Reports Are Not Just “Drama”—They’re Dangerous

Calling CPS on someone is serious. It’s not a prank. It’s not a warning shot. It’s a legal accusation that can have devastating effects.

Even when a report is unfounded, CPS has to investigate. That includes showing up at your home, questioning parents, sometimes even interviewing children alone. In extreme cases, kids have been temporarily removed until the case is cleared. For a nonverbal autistic child like OP’s son, the trauma could be severe.

A 2022 study by the American Journal of Public Health found that Black and disabled children are disproportionately reported and investigated by CPS—even when there’s no evidence of abuse. The investigation alone can cause emotional harm and stigma.

OP’s sister knew exactly what she was doing.

🧒 Weaponizing CPS Against a Special Needs Family = Next Level Cruel

Raising a child with autism, especially one who is nonverbal, is already demanding. Parents navigate therapy schedules, meltdowns, sensory issues, and developmental milestones while constantly advocating for their child in medical and educational spaces.

Now imagine layering a false CPS accusation on top of that.

It’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a violation of trust, privacy, and parental rights. It’s trauma. OP’s sister didn’t just “teach her a lesson”—she exploited her vulnerable situation to try and ruin her life.

⚖️ Legal Consequences for False CPS Reports (Yup, They’re Real)

In many states, filing a false CPS report is a criminal offense or at least carries civil penalties.

• California: Under Penal Code § 11172, knowingly making a false child abuse report is a misdemeanor punishable by jail time or fines.
• Texas: It can be a felony if the person intended to deceive CPS.
• New York: Courts have allowed parents to sue the accuser for damages in civil court under certain conditions.

So yes—OP could take legal action against her sister if she wanted. But that’s a personal decision, especially when emotions and family ties are involved.

Still, this isn’t a joke. It’s defamation. It’s emotional abuse. And in some cases, it’s criminal.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Forgives? Not When Safety Is at Risk

Let’s talk about the mom here, who says OP is “overreacting” and “family forgives family.”

This kind of thinking—sweeping things under the rug in the name of “keeping the peace”—is what lets toxic family dynamics thrive.

Yes, forgiveness has its place. But forgiveness does not mean access. OP can forgive in her heart while still maintaining firm, permanent boundaries. Saying “we’re family” isn’t a free pass to hurt people.

There’s also a clear divide in her parents’ reactions. Her dad supports her, which says a lot. He sees the danger. Her mom seems more focused on appearances and family unity than on the actual risk posed to her grandson.

This dynamic is incredibly common. Toxic empathy from family members often enables the abusive one while isolating the victim.

😡 Reddit Would Be Fuming

If this post hit r/AmItheAsshole, it would explode.

Here’s what the top comments would probably say:

“NTA. What she did could’ve destroyed your life. No contact forever.”

“Weaponizing CPS is unforgivable. That’s not just toxic—that’s dangerous.”

“You’re not overreacting. You’re underreacting. Lawyer up.”

“Protect your child. Block anyone who doesn’t understand why.”

This is one of those rare posts where 99% of Reddit would back OP hard. Family loyalty doesn’t mean tolerating abuse.

Netizens also insisted that this type of betrayal goes beyond ordinary family drama and is a serious violation of trust

Absolutely not.

You are not the asshole. Not even a little bit. What your sister did was beyond cruel—it was targeted, premeditated, and potentially life-ruining.

Cutting her off wasn’t “harsh”—it was protective. You’re protecting your son, your home, your mental health, and your family’s peace.

If your mom can’t understand that, she may need a little distance too. Boundaries aren’t punishment. They’re protection.

What your sister did was not a mistake. It was a choice.

You choosing peace over toxicity is also a choice—and it’s the right one.