She Had Time to Read It
Christina Avgerinos reached out to express concern over a Medium article that mentioned her and their son Dylan, accusing the author of hypocrisy while questioning the lack of communication regarding their child. The author highlights a consistent…
The Chatbot in the Courtroom: What AI Means for the Parent Representing Themselves
Family courts often see a high rate of self-representation, with many turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for legal advice. While AI offers accessible help, it also poses risks, such as providing incorrect information or compromising legal privilege.…
When the System Moves Fast for Custody and Slow for Everything Else
Years after Russell Ashford pleaded guilty to brutally assaulting Antoinette Forbes, restrictions on him steadily loosened. Now Forbes is missing, Ashford faces seven firearms charges, and a family court has again been forced to confront custody of their…
Maryland Proclaims a Month for Collecting. Not One for Showing Up.
Maryland has declared August 2026 National Child Support Awareness Month, praising its support enforcement system. However, the article critiques this approach, highlighting a lack of similar enforcement measures for parental access issues. The disparity…
The Record Nobody Can Check
Maryland has passed Senate Bill 426, overriding a veto to protect sensitive divorce and custody records from public access to prevent harassment. However, this law may hinder accountability by making it difficult to verify document integrity and identify…
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A recent federal memo rescinded restrictions on states disqualifying SNAP benefits for noncooperation with child support, potentially affecting struggling parents caught in enforcement gaps.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.…
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 System’s Two Speeds: Maryland Moves Fast to Take Custody, Slow to Answer for It
Four Maryland cases reveal a troubling pattern: the state moves quickly to remove children from parents but far more slowly when government agencies or courts are held accountable.