Withdrawn but Not Resolved: Inside a Maryland Case That Wouldn’t End Quietly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…
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…
Discretion Without Accountability
Family court decisions often lack transparency, as judges exercise discretion without providing explanations, leading to inconsistent outcomes and a lack of accountability. This opacity hinders parents' ability to challenge rulings or appeal effectively,…
Trusted Until It Matters
The article highlights the inconsistencies in family court regarding claims of distrust between parents. It criticizes the system for accepting untested assertions of untrustworthiness, leading to unjust restrictions on parenting time. The impact on…
A Father Steps Forward: Georgia Custody Case Exposes Gaps in Unmarried Parents’ Rights
A Georgia family court case resulted in Adrian Harden gaining custody of his son Chance after his mother died. The case highlighted flaws in state law affecting unmarried fathers' parental rights, prompting calls for "Chance’s Law" to simplify…
When Love Is Reframed as “Documentation”
The author shares their struggle with navigating a legal system that fails to enforce court-ordered parenting time, leading to accusations of insincerity when documenting requests. They illustrate how polite obstruction results in parental erasure,…
Holiday Smiles, Closed Doors: When a Parent Performs Peace While Erasing the Other Parent
The article discusses the complexities of parental access during the holidays, highlighting how family courts often misinterpret courteous behavior as compliance. It critiques performative co-parenting, where one parent denies access while maintaining a…
What Happens When a Parent Follows the Court Order — and the Court Refuses to Enforce It?
Family courts promise to protect children's relationships with both parents, yet enforcement often fails, leading to significant family disruptions. Many compliant parents face ignored motions and lack of communication enforcement, fostering unilateral…
When Access Exists on Paper but Not in Practice
The article discusses how modern court systems create invisible barriers to access and due process, particularly affecting parents and self-represented litigants. Despite digital access promises, structural invisibility and complicated systems hinder…
Maryland’s Transcript Trap: How Ordinary People Like Bernard Miller and Shaoshan Feng Were Shut Out of Justice
In Maryland, access to justice is often an illusion, particularly for the poor. Bernard Miller and Shaoshan Feng's experiences show the barriers faced in appealing court decisions due to prohibitive transcript costs. Their stories illustrate a flawed…