When the System Meant to Protect Families Is Put on Trial
Federal prosecutors have charged a Michigan probate judge amid a corruption investigation targeting the state's probate system, which oversees guardianships and estates. Allegations suggest manipulation for personal gain at the expense of vulnerable…
When the Courts Catch Up: The Reckoning Over Medical Decisions Made for Children
A California jury awarded $2 million to Fox Varian, finding malpractice in a double mastectomy performed at 16. This ruling has catalyzed a national debate over minors' medical consent, scrutinizing the responsibilities of professionals and institutions.…
When the Court Says “Enough”: What a Pennsylvania Custody Termination Case Reveals About Family Court Limits
The Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld the termination of a mother's parental rights due to insufficient compliance with reunification efforts, emphasizing child welfare over parental rights. This case highlights the complexity of family courts, where…
When Emergency Becomes Policy: Georgia’s Hotel-Shelter Trap
Over 4,600 people in DeKalb County are using hotels for shelter, a situation that highlights a failure in housing policy. Extended-stay motels provide temporary relief but lack stability and necessary services. To address this ongoing crisis, solutions…
When International Custody Law Collides With Family Court Reality
A Maryland father is using the Hague Convention to seek the return of his child from the U.S. to Brazil, highlighting the fragility of parental rights in international custody disputes. The case reveals complexities in applying international law amid…
When Child Welfare Hides the File, Parents Pay the Price
A mother in Oldham County, Kentucky, has filed a lawsuit against the state’s child welfare agency for allegedly denying access to crucial records concerning her child's welfare case. This highlights a broader issue of transparency in child welfare…
When Independence Becomes “Neglect”: A Family-Court Cautionary Tale
A recent case in Atlanta raised concerns over a ruling of neglect against parents whose child rode a scooter alone for four minutes in their neighborhood. This incident reflects a troubling trend where parental judgment is overridden by bureaucratic…
Five Hearings, No Parent: How Maryland Family Courts Build a Record Without Participation
The article discusses the troubling issue of "non-appearance" in Maryland family courts, particularly highlighted in the case of Jeffrey Reichert. It reveals how the court proceeded with hearings without accommodating Reichert's disability, leading to…
Colorado Democrats Reignite Gender Identity Debate in Child Custody Law
Colorado Democrats are proposing to incorporate gender identity considerations into child custody laws, which has sparked debate. Supporters argue it protects children, while critics fear it politicizes custody decisions and undermines parental rights.…
The Alienation Accusation Loop
The article discusses the dangers of the "alienation accusation loop" in family courts, where the focus shifts from child safety to interpreting children's resistance as manipulation. This shift can lead to severe consequences for children and protective…