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.…
The Lawyer Nobody Fully Hires
Unbundled legal representation is increasingly proposed as a solution to the access-to-justice gap in family court, where most litigants self-represent. However, it often fails to address the complexities of contested cases. While it can be beneficial…
The Squeeze: When Two Broken Systems Land on the Same Parent
A recent federal memo rescinded restrictions on states disqualifying SNAP benefits for noncooperation with child support, potentially affecting struggling parents caught in enforcement gaps. This policy shift underscores systemic issues where child…
The Access Gap AI Was Supposed to Close — And What It’s Opening Instead
A recent appellate court case highlighted issues with AI-generated citations in custody matters, revealing a trend where self-represented litigants submit filings containing fabricated legal references. This problem threatens the grace doctrine, which…
No Transcript, No Appeal, No Accountability: How the Court Reporter Crisis Is Erasing Family Court Records
Millions of family court hearings are being conducted without reliable transcripts, leaving parents unable to challenge judicial errors on appeal. A New York case has exposed a crisis that extends far beyond one courtroom.
The Other Side Writes the Order. Here’s Why That Should Concern You.
In California family court, the attorney representing the winning side drafts the official court order, which becomes the permanent record of proceedings. This practice poses significant risks for self-represented litigants who may be unaware of their…
No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice
An investigation reveals a significant accountability gap in Maryland's family court system, where civil rights complaints against judges lack external oversight and transparency. Complaints filed are often sealed and unreported, leading to systemic…
The Unpaid Shift
International Workers' Day highlights the ongoing struggles of working families, particularly in family courts where custody orders lack enforcement. The systemic failure results in significant economic and emotional costs for parents, echoing labor…
When You Can’t Afford a Lawyer: D.C. Courts Open a New Path for Parents Navigating Alone
In Washington, D.C., a new court initiative aims to support self-represented parents facing legal challenges, particularly in custody and support disputes. While it addresses accessibility, deeper issues of structural fairness remain, highlighting…
Silence as Strategy
The article discusses how selective silence in family court is often overlooked as a form of control. It emphasizes that this non-response blocks communication and coordination, creating power imbalances. Courts tend to trivialize silence, failing to…