When Family Court Leaves the Courtroom
The article highlights the risks parents face in private judicial proceedings, particularly in family court settings, where critical decisions may be made without adequate understanding of the processes or implications. It stresses the importance of…
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,…
When Police Ignore Disability Accommodations, Families Pay the Price
A federal appeal highlights the systemic issue of disabled parents being denied necessary accommodations during police encounters, particularly in custody disputes. Marc H. Fishman's case illustrates how such denials can lead to misunderstandings and…
Paper Crime Scene: How a County Line Turned a Custody Dispute Into a Felony Case
Giselle Farias Smiel stands accused of kidnapping her children, with her case reflecting failures in bureaucratic procedures and communication. A custody dispute escalated into criminal charges due to unverified paperwork from the father. Sealed…