Withdrawn but Not Resolved: Inside a Maryland Case That Wouldn’t End Quietly
In a Maryland family law case, attorney Jeff Reichert voluntarily dismissed his petition without prejudice, intending to withdraw due to unresolved ADA accommodation issues. Despite this, a pre-trial conference was still scheduled, prompting the opposing…
When Accusation Becomes Punishment
Maryland's House Bill 336 seeks to reform the issuance of arrest warrants by ensuring that only trained professionals, like police officers, can issue them based on verified evidence. The bill also raises penalties for false reports, aiming to protect…
Accountability and Professionalism in Family Law: Lessons from a Baltimore County Disbarment
The Maryland Supreme Court disbarred divorce lawyer Judith Marie Hamilton for abandoning a client, mishandling funds, and failing to cooperate with investigations. This case highlights the need for ethical conduct in family law, stressing that lawyers…
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…
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…
When Family Court Proceeds Without a Parent, That’s Not “Non-Appearance.” It’s Exclusion.
Jeff Reichert's case highlights how family courts can proceed without a parent, effectively erasing them from the process due to denied accommodations for disabilities. A federal judge acknowledged the need for remote participation under disability law,…
When “Child Protection” Expands the System—but Leaves Children Exposed
Maryland lawmakers are promoting child protection legislation aimed at addressing abuse and neglect. However, critics highlight that these measures increase state power while providing fewer protections for families. Specifically, a bill fails to require…
A “Temporary” Order That Never Ended: Lawsuit Highlights Four Years of Father–Child Separation in Maryland
A lawsuit in Baltimore County highlights the issue of temporary family court orders becoming permanent, resulting in prolonged separation between a father, Jeff Reichert, and his son, Grant. Reichert claims a no-contact order led to nearly four years of…
Two Years Without a Parent — and a Christmas Denial That Says Everything About Family Court Enforcement
Michael Phillips reveals his two-year struggle with denied parenting time despite a standing court order from Montgomery County. He highlights systemic failures within the family court system, emphasizing that when court orders remain unenforced,…
What Clarke v. Gibson Really Means for Domestic Violence Survivors: Stronger Protections, Clearer Evidence, and a More Stable Path to Safety
The Maryland Supreme Court's decision in Clarke v. Gibson strengthens protections for domestic violence survivors by ensuring that protective orders are based on evidence and not merely on disbelief. This ruling clarifies the requirements for stability…