The Contract Nobody Regulates
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements determine asset distribution after a marriage ends, yet their legal protections vary significantly among U.S. states. While prenups are recognized nationwide, enforcement standards differ, often disadvantaging one…
The Retirement Defense: Why “I’ll Make Less Later” Rarely Moves a Family Court Now
A South Carolina appeals court ruled in Updegraff v. Updegraff that a spouse's anticipated future income change cannot modify current alimony obligations, emphasizing courts shouldn't speculate on future financial situations. This decision highlights a…
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 Second Access Tax: How Family Court Privatized the Cost of Parenting
The article examines the concept of the "Access Tax" in American family court systems, highlighting how financial burdens are disproportionately placed on parents, particularly during custody disputes. Costs escalate due to systemic incentives benefiting…
The Federal Government Will Ground You for Unpaid Child Support. It Has No Answer for Stolen Parenting Time.
The Trump administration's policy, effective May 9, 2026, revokes passports from parents owing over $2,500 in child support debt, without considering individual circumstances. This disproportionately affects struggling parents, especially those involved…
Parental Alienation as Labor Exploitation
Over 22 million American parents face systemic separation from their children due to parental alienation, a serious issue recognized but inadequately addressed by courts. This exploitation results in significant emotional and economic costs for families,…
The Unpaid Shift
International Workers' Day highlights the ongoing struggles of working families, particularly in family courts where custody orders lack enforcement. The systemic failure results in significant economic and emotional costs for parents, echoing labor…
The ‘Mom Yells’ Playbook
A two-word claim — “mom yells” — became the foundation for a seven-year custody battle that ended in total estrangement. This investigation traces how a narrative, once introduced into the family court system, can be repeated, reinforced, and ultimately…
Today Is Parental Alienation Awareness Day. My Son Is 7. I Haven’t Had Parenting Time Since He Was 4.
On Parental Alienation Awareness Day, Michael Phillips emphasizes the disconnect between awareness and effective enforcement in family courts. He shares his painful experience of estrangement from his son due to parental alienation, highlighting the…
When an Allegation Becomes a Weapon
A Baltimore lawsuit challenges the use of protective orders in custody disputes, highlighting how allegations can disrupt family dynamics before being proven. It raises concerns about the impact of unproven claims on custody decisions and the balance…