Essays & Reporting (LEGACY)
What He Leaves His Children
A year after Charlie Kirk’s death, his movement can count churches, chapters and supporters. His children will inherit something harder to measure: whatever remains of their father after the politics, grief and public mythology are stripped away.
The Decisions Dolly Parton Made for People Who Weren’t in the Room
Dolly Parton, who passed away at 80, prioritized family throughout her life, choosing to protect her family’s future over career gains by denying Elvis Presley publishing rights. Her long marriage to Carl Dean exemplified a supportive partnership. Additionally, she founded the Imagination Library to combat literacy issues inspired by her father’s struggles.
They’re Adults Now. He Still Can’t Call Them.
Marc Fishman’s children are no longer caught in a custody battle — they’re adults. And yet the silence remains. His case exposes a reality rarely discussed: when parental alienation succeeds, it doesn’t end. It becomes permanent.
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 weaponized until it replaces documented reality.
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 damaging effects on children and advocating for serious legal action to uphold court-ordered parenting time.
The Fracturing Foundation
The decline in birth rates and marriage in the U.S. has led to significant societal issues, including rising juvenile crime and increased government dependence. With one in three children growing up in single-parent households, the structural advantages of intact families are lost, prompting a growing welfare state as a substitute for family support.
Five Years Later: A Father Still Fighting for His Son
Five years after Donovon Lynch was shot and killed at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, his father is still fighting — not just for accountability, but for his son’s name.
The legal case may be closed. The review board may be deadlocked. But for Wayne Lynch, the questions have never stopped.
This is not just a…
When a Parent Acts to Protect: A North Carolina Case of Accountability, Separation, and Rebuilding
Sarah Taylor filed for divorce from her husband, Justin Tawse Brigham, following his arrest on serious felony charges related to alleged sexual crimes against a minor. The divorce reflects Taylor’s immediate decision to protect their child and stabilize their lives, while restructuring her business, formerly Sycamore Brewing, now Club West Brewing, to move forward independently.
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 recognition of biological fathers, especially in tragic circumstances. Legislative reforms are being discussed.
When the Holidays Hurt: The Quiet Struggle Too Many People Carry Into Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, often depicted as a joyful occasion, can be painful for many, highlighting invisible struggles such as trauma, grief, and mental health issues. For some, the holiday is a reminder of lost connections and unresolved pain. It’s important to acknowledge that self-care during this time is crucial and that many share similar hardships.
International Men’s Day: The Crisis No One Wants to Talk About
International Men’s Day, observed on November 19, emphasizes the struggles men face, particularly fathers dealing with the family-court system. Despite its intent to raise awareness about men’s mental health and systemic bias, the day often goes unnoticed. Many men endure silent battles for recognition and fairness in a system that marginalizes their experiences.
The Most Dangerous Court in America Is the One No One Teaches You How to Survive
Family court in America allows significant losses for parents—children, homes, and finances—without criminal accusations or safeguards. Parents often enter naively, expecting fairness, only to encounter a biased system. Both represented and self-represented litigants face daunting challenges, as unsubstantiated accusations can dramatically impact their lives unfairly. Understanding this environment is crucial.
The Lost Legacy of Fatherhood
The essay by Michael R. Phillips explores the erosion of fatherhood’s legacy over time, shifting from a symbol of strength to one viewed with suspicion by courts and culture. It highlights systemic bias, the commercialization of family separation, and the psychological impact on fathers. Project LEGACY seeks to restore fathers’ value and narratives.