Public Records
Treated as Threats: What DOJ’s Own Report Shows About Federal Power and Parents
A recent DOJ report reveals the FBI conducted assessments on parents following a 2021 memo addressing threats at school board meetings. These assessments included parents’ affiliations and gun ownership. While the report shows some internal dissent, it also raises concerns about federal scrutiny of parental rights and free speech related to advocacy.
The Jerseys Test: An Ohio Ex-Wife, a Handgun, and a $500,000 Bond
An Ohio woman accused of threatening her ex-husband and firing two handgun rounds faces attempted aggravated murder charges and a $500,000 bond. The case raises questions about domestic violence, pretrial release and whether public reactions change when the accused is a woman.
HB 1499 Gets Its Hearing: Supporters Fill the Room, Opponents Raise Safety Concerns, No Vote Announced
House Bill 1499 in Pennsylvania proposes equal parenting time as the default in custody cases. Following a lengthy committee review, it received mixed responses with significant opposition citing concerns over domestic violence and custody fairness. While supporters emphasize its potential benefits, uncertain future votes and amendments complicate its path forward.
What “Parental Rights” Leaves Out
Defending Education’s RISE report ranks states on parental rights, focusing on school transparency and sex education laws. Tennessee and Alabama top the list, while Illinois ranks last. The report, however, neglects to address custody laws, leading to confusion about actual parental rights and relationships post-separation, highlighting discrepancies with the National Parents Organization’s ranking.
Pennsylvania’s Custody Bill Gets Its Day at the Capitol. Whether It Gets a Vote Is Another Question.
Pennsylvania’s House Bill 1499 proposes equal parenting time as the legal standard in custody cases, aiming for shared physical and legal custody near 50%. The bill emphasizes child safety considerations and requires clear evidence for any deviations. With broad bipartisan support, its future depends on the Democratic majority’s decision to advance it.
The Gap Has No Side
A recent analysis reveals that family courts inadequately protect domestic violence victims due to implementation issues rather than legal authority. The research indicates systemic failures affect both victims and accused parents. Proposed reforms include improved evaluator standards, judicial fact-finding, and consistent data tracking to enhance accountability and protection for all parties involved.
A Rash of Parents Killing Their Children? Twenty-One Cases From 2025–2026 and What They Show
The article reveals a grim series of 21 filicide cases from January 2025 to September 2026, detailing parental violence against children in various states. Many families had prior contact with child welfare or mental health services, raising questions about systemic failures. Despite the alarming reports, evidence does not conclusively show an increase in filicides.
The Present Tense Problem
A Pennsylvania Superior Court ruling determined that grandparents lack custody standing if no parental custody case is currently open, even after years of a consented relationship. This decision, stemming from the McGuire case, emphasizes the significance of legal proceedings’ timeliness over the actual relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
Signed Away
A Tampa Bay Times investigation reveals that many Hillsborough County families lose custody of children without legal representation or hearings. The report highlights over 300 cases where parents were pressured into temporary custody transfers. A proposed bipartisan bill aims to improve transparency in child separations, addressing systemic legal issues.
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 pattern of denied visitation and communication issues, contrasting her engagement with his writings against her neglect of co-parenting…
A Custody Exchange, an AR-15, and a Father Who Fired Back
A routine Florida custody exchange erupted in gunfire when authorities say the mother’s boyfriend opened fire with an AR-style rifle. The father fired back. The children escaped unharmed. And the case exposes a blind spot even Florida’s safe-exchange law may not solve.
What Losing Contact With a Child Does to a Parent’s Mind
Research indicates that parents alienated from their children suffer significant mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Current family court systems lack effective procedures to assess post-custody mental health risks, raising critical questions about responsibility in identifying and addressing these crises among affected parents.
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. Vigilance is crucial, particularly for those without legal representation, highlighting the need for supplemental human support.
The Custody Question Got Answered. The Process That Answered It Didn’t.
Justice Elena Kagan’s denial of an emergency stay in a California parentage case involving Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar leaves unresolved issues about due-process and jurisdictional arguments. The courts have converged on the parentage decision, affirming California’s ruling. The case intertwines family law and abortion rights without clear public reasoning for Kagan’s decision.
The Narrative Nobody Fact-Checks
A recent tabloid story about Brad Pitt explores how narratives surrounding custody disputes can be reshaped over time. It emphasizes discrepancies between Pitt’s past admissions of drinking problems and the anonymous claims blaming his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. The complexities of custody arrangements and public perceptions are also examined.