The Alienation Shortcut
When abuse records and alienation claims collide, courts have to decide what evidence matters. New laws are trying to force judges to review the record — but almost nobody reviews the judges.
The Warrant Nobody Checked
A forged custody order almost led to a child being taken from Maryland. St. Mary's County deputies recognized irregularities in the document and called the issuing court, discovering that it was fake. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in interstate…
The Squeeze: When Two Broken Systems Land on the Same Parent
A recent federal memo rescinded restrictions on states disqualifying SNAP benefits for noncooperation with child support, potentially affecting struggling parents caught in enforcement gaps. This policy shift underscores systemic issues where child…
The Order Nobody Signs For: How Protective-Order Extensions Can Outrun Service
Temporary protective orders serve as a critical bridge between emergency situations and formal hearings, relying heavily on the effective service of process. When service fails, respondents may be unable to contest orders, leading to potential injustice.…
The Ledger Nobody Kept: What COVID-Era Guidance Did to Custody
The pandemic's impact on custody and family courts has been significant yet largely unquantified, as seen in the backlog of cases and the misuse of COVID-19 as a pretext in custody disputes. This situation was exacerbated by inconsistent court operations…
The Missing Variable
Father absence significantly predicts juvenile crime in America, with evidence showing boys from fatherless homes are disproportionately involved in delinquency and violence. Despite the clear link demonstrated by decades of research, structural issues,…
A Voice That Isn’t Theirs: How the Child’s Voice Project Gets It Wrong for the Parents Who Need Help Most
The Child's Voice Project (CVP) aims to provide representation for children in custody cases but may inadvertently empower biased narratives, particularly in situations involving parental alienation. The model’s lack of transparency, training protocols,…
The Ones Who Grow Up Inside It: What Happens to Children of Parental Alienation as Adults
Parental alienation profoundly impacts children into adulthood, often leading to low self-esteem, depression, and difficulties in relationships. Research shows adults who experienced this as children face significant emotional challenges and may…
When the Loss Has No Name: What Research Says About Being a Targeted Parent
The article discusses the concept of ambiguous loss, particularly experienced by parents facing parental alienation. This type of grief lacks rituals, leaving parents feeling isolated and unable to properly mourn their relationship with their living…
When “I Wish They Were Gone” Becomes a Blueprint: What the Research Says About Hostility and Parental Alienation
The article by Michael Phillips explores the complexities of parental alienation in family court settings, highlighting the prevalence of hostile parental dynamics and their impact on children. It emphasizes that while parental alienation is common, it…