Essays
The Order Nobody Signs For: How Protective-Order Extensions Can Outrun Service
Temporary protective orders serve as a critical bridge between emergency situations and formal hearings, relying heavily on the effective service of process. When service fails, respondents may be unable to contest orders, leading to potential injustice. Proper accountability measures are needed to ensure timely service and uphold the integrity of protective orders.
What to the Parent Is the Fourth of July?
On America’s 250th birthday, Michael Phillips critiques the family court system, arguing it fails to protect parental rights, a fundamental liberty. He highlights discrepancies in legal protections between parents and individuals in criminal cases, presenting the family court as a system that exploits and exhausts families. Phillips calls for accountability and awareness of these grievances.
Supreme Court Weighs In on Parental Rights and Gender Policy Dispute
The Supreme Court’s recent order in Elizabeth Mirabelli v. Rob Bonta highlights ongoing tensions over parental rights and school policies regarding children’s gender identity. The case raises important constitutional questions about parental authority versus state control, impacting fathers in custody disputes who may feel sidelined by school decisions that exclude them.
When the Courts Catch Up: The Reckoning Over Medical Decisions Made for Children
A California jury awarded $2 million to Fox Varian, finding malpractice in a double mastectomy performed at 16. This ruling has catalyzed a national debate over minors’ medical consent, scrutinizing the responsibilities of professionals and institutions. It raises significant questions about parental rights and accountability in life-altering medical decisions for children.
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 domestic court procedures, raising concerns about potential biases and the effectiveness of safeguards for parents.
When Schools Become Enforcers: A Lawsuit Claims NYC Used Child Protective Services as Leverage Against a Parent
A New York lawsuit reveals how schools may misuse Child Protective Services (CPS) referrals to coerce non-compliant parents, as demonstrated by a Queens mother’s allegations. This practice, which complicates parental disputes over education, raises concerns about the accountability and discretion of schools in child welfare matters, impacting families nationwide.
While America Chases Fraud Headlines, Family Court Fraud Remains Untouched
Father & Co. highlights a pervasive, unnoticed fraud within America’s family court and child welfare systems that harms families deeply. While public outrage targets visible frauds, the damage caused by profit-driven court practices remains largely unaddressed, resulting in unjust separation of families. This systemic issue threatens civil rights and demands attention.
California Did This First: What Colorado’s New Custody Ruling Reveals About a Longstanding Legal Trend
The Colorado Court of Appeals’ recent ruling allows for felony charges per child for violating custody orders, aligning with California’s established laws that treat each child as a separate victim in custody cases. This raises concerns about increased prosecutorial power over families during crises, highlighting the need for oversight in such sensitive situations.
Colorado Appeals Court: One Custody Order, Multiple Felonies—Per Child
The Colorado Court of Appeals’ decision in People v. Wilson allows prosecutors to charge a separate felony for each child impacted by a custody violation, enhancing their leverage in child welfare cases. While supporters argue it protects children’s welfare, critics voice concerns about escalating parental crises into serious criminal charges, increasing governmental power.
California Judge Strikes Down Statewide ‘Parental Exclusion’ Policies in Landmark Ruling
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez ruled California’s parental exclusion policies unconstitutional, blocking statewide enforcement of secrecy about children’s gender identity changes in schools. The decision affirms parental rights and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in children’s welfare. It impacts over six million students and 300,000 teachers in California.
When “Coercive Control” Enters Family Court, Fathers Should Pay Attention
South Carolina’s Senate Bill 702 aims to legally recognize “coercive control” as domestic abuse, impacting custody disputes. While intended to address psychological abuse, critics highlight due process concerns, questioning how such allegations could unduly influence custody without rigorous proof. Many fear this law could turn custody battles into contests of accusation rather than evidence.
Maryland’s Outdated Wiretap Law Is Hurting Victims — And 2026 May Finally Bring Change
Maryland’s outdated two-party consent wiretap law impedes victims of domestic violence from recording crucial evidence of abuse, protecting manipulators instead. As lawmakers prepare to revisit the law in 2026, proposed updates aim to align it with modern technology and abuse dynamics, balancing victim protection with privacy rights.
Idaho Just Drew the Blueprint to Fix Maryland’s Broken Custody Courts. Will Annapolis Follow?
Idaho’s bipartisan task force presented a comprehensive custody-court reform package after extensive hearings, emphasizing efficiency and low cost. Maryland could adopt this model, which includes a 30-day limit on temporary custody orders, mandatory attorney-fee parity, recognition of coercive control in domestic violence, and enforcement of custody orders by law enforcement.
Maryland Judges Required to Reveal Their Finances — But How Public Is “Public”?
Maryland’s judges must file annual financial disclosure statements by April 30, detailing assets and potential conflicts of interest. While intended for transparency, the process lacks public accessibility, requiring specific requests for access to filings. Critics argue this undermines accountability as public trust in the judiciary wavers amid bias concerns.
The Constitutional Crisis No One Voted For
The family court system in America deviates from constitutional principles, operating without proper legal frameworks and standards. This unaccountable system harms families through arbitrary judgments, lack of transparency, and financial incentives. Project CONSTITUTION aims to restore due process and uphold citizens’ rights within family law, affirming the need for reform and accountability.
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