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…
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…
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,…
Why Family Court Has Fewer Due Process Protections
Family court operates with fewer procedural protections than criminal or many civil courts, focusing on resolving private disputes and protecting children. Key differences include no jury trials, relaxed evidence rules, and broad judicial discretion,…
Broward County Tests a New Model for Family Court Accountability—Will It Actually Help Parents and Children?
Broward County's family court has introduced a pilot program to enhance enforcement of court orders, addressing frequent compliance issues that affect families in crisis. By providing tracking, support, and clear accountability, the initiative aims to…
The Status Quo Trap
The article discusses how temporary orders in family court often become permanent due to inaction and procedural delays. While labeled as provisional, these orders can solidify over time, negatively impacting families, particularly children. The status…
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…
Louisiana Supreme Court Steps In as East Baton Rouge Family Court Faces Renewed Scrutiny
The Louisiana Supreme Court intervened in a child-custody case, appointing an outside judge amid allegations of bias and procedural issues causing prolonged delays for mother Katherine Diamond. The court's decision signals increased attention to…
A Child’s Right to Both Parents Is Not Seasonal
Family courts often adjust parenting time rules during the holidays, impacting children's relationships with both parents. This series highlights procedural failures that undermine children's rights to consistent parental presence. It argues that lost…