AI-Created Case Law, Real Consequences: A Federal Warning Parents Should Not Ignore
A federal court case highlights the dangers of AI-generated legal documents following a brief that cited non-existent case law, leading to sanctions against five attorneys. The ruling stresses the importance of verifying legal citations for credibility,…
Withdrawn but Not Resolved: Inside a Maryland Case That Wouldn’t End Quietly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…
Accountability and Professionalism in Family Law: Lessons from a Baltimore County Disbarment
The Maryland Supreme Court disbarred divorce lawyer Judith Marie Hamilton for abandoning a client, mishandling funds, and failing to cooperate with investigations. This case highlights the need for ethical conduct in family law, stressing that lawyers…
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…
The ADA Survival Guide for Family Court
Disabled parents must proactively assert their rights in family court under the ADA to ensure meaningful participation. This guide emphasizes the importance of requesting reasonable accommodations in writing, documenting any exclusion, and understanding…
When Family Court Proceeds Without a Parent, That’s Not “Non-Appearance.” It’s Exclusion.
Jeff Reichert's case highlights how family courts can proceed without a parent, effectively erasing them from the process due to denied accommodations for disabilities. A federal judge acknowledged the need for remote participation under disability law,…
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,…
AI as Accommodation in the Courtroom: Why Self-Represented Litigants Need Support, Not Suspicion
The article highlights the challenges faced by self-represented litigants in family and civil courts, where the legal system assumes knowledge of complex processes. It argues that AI tools can enhance accessibility and support, allowing these individuals…
Selective Enforcement
Family court orders often lack consistent enforcement, creating a two-tier system where compliance burdens the harmed parent. Violating parties can evade consequences, particularly those with resources, leading to a normalization of noncompliance. This…
The Status Quo Trap
The article discusses how temporary orders in family court often become permanent due to inaction and procedural delays. While labeled as provisional, these orders can solidify over time, negatively impacting families, particularly children. The status…