HB 1499 Gets Its Hearing: Supporters Fill the Room, Opponents Raise Safety Concerns, No Vote Announced
House Bill 1499 in Pennsylvania proposes equal parenting time as the default in custody cases. Following a lengthy committee review, it received mixed responses with significant opposition citing concerns over domestic violence and custody fairness.…
The Custody Standard the Dog Got First
Illinois' House Bill 4540, known as "Rosie's Law," establishes a best-interest test for companion animal custody disputes, effective January 1, 2027. It allows courts to consider caregiving history and emotional bonds among various relationships, unlike…
Same States, Two Standards: The Custody Enforcement Gap Guardianship Reform Exposed
The article compares how different states address custody enforcement for children when a parent faces immigration-related detainment or deportation. Some states, like D.C. and California, allow immediate guardianship without judicial oversight, while…
Equal Custody Becomes the Starting Point
Mississippi has become the sixth state to adopt a rebuttable presumption of equal physical custody in child custody cases, effective July 1, 2026. Under House Bill 1662, courts must assume parents share custody 50-50 unless evidence shows otherwise. The…
The Equal Parenting Wave Is Here. Judges Should Pay Attention.
A significant shift in American family law is underway, with states like Mississippi, South Carolina, and California advancing equal parenting legislation. This movement proposes 50-50 custody as the default, challenging outdated norms. Advocates argue…
When an Allegation Becomes a Weapon
A Baltimore lawsuit challenges the use of protective orders in custody disputes, highlighting how allegations can disrupt family dynamics before being proven. It raises concerns about the impact of unproven claims on custody decisions and the balance…
Why Family Court Has Fewer Due Process Protections
Family court operates with fewer procedural protections than criminal or many civil courts, focusing on resolving private disputes and protecting children. Key differences include no jury trials, relaxed evidence rules, and broad judicial discretion,…
What Family Court Is (and Is Not)
Family court, as a civil court, adjudicates family-related disputes without criminal proceedings. This distinction affects evidence standards, burdens of proof, and constitutional protections, often surprising parents unprepared for the differences.…
Colorado’s SB26-018 and the Quiet Expansion of Family Court Power
Colorado's SB26-018 seeks to enhance minors' privacy in legal name changes and introduces a custody factor related to parents recognizing a child's identity. While supporters argue it's a safeguard, critics fear it could undermine transparency and…
Idaho Lawmakers Take On a Family Court System Parents Say Has Been Broken for Years
Idaho lawmakers are working on a reform bill to modernize the family court system, responding to long-standing complaints from parents about delays, vague orders, and enforcement issues. The bipartisan task force aims to clarify custody laws, improve…