The Custody Question Got Answered. The Process That Answered It Didn’t.
Justice Elena Kagan's denial of an emergency stay in a California parentage case involving Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar leaves unresolved issues about due-process and jurisdictional arguments. The courts have converged on the parentage decision,…
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.
One Day, Seven Cases: A Court Watcher’s Portrait of Judge Vivian Wang
Judge Vivian Wang, newly appointed in San Mateo County family court, is navigating her first year with a strong commitment to understanding cases and assisting unrepresented litigants. However, her lack of family law experience exposes gaps in legal…
Court Denies Brenna Gano’s Motions — But Sets the Stage for Trial
A San Mateo family court judge rejected Brenna Gano's requests to set aside a contested 2022 settlement, citing statute of limitations issues. While Gano claimed duress and lack of accommodations, the judge ruled her allegations did not meet the…
The Mother the System Called the Problem
On Parental Alienation Awareness Day, Rhonda Reyna’s story exposes a disturbing inversion inside the family court system: the very label meant to protect children from manipulation is increasingly used against the parent raising legitimate safety…
California Family Courts Under Scrutiny: Minors’ Counsel, Taxpayer Costs, and a System Resisting Oversight
An investigative report by The Davis Vanguard highlights ongoing issues in California's family courts regarding minors' counsel and parenting coordinators. Concerns revolve around taxpayer costs, lack of oversight, and potential conflicts of interest.…
California Judge Strikes Down Statewide ‘Parental Exclusion’ Policies in Landmark Ruling
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez ruled California's parental exclusion policies unconstitutional, blocking statewide enforcement of secrecy about children's gender identity changes in schools. The decision affirms parental rights and emphasizes the…
When Allegations Outlive the Case
The article examines the unresolved nature of allegations in Giselle Smiel’s case, highlighting the impact of criminal protective orders against Jeff Smiel. While these orders reflect judicial assessments of risk, they don't confirm guilt. The failure to…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 14, 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Los Angeles Superior Court held a closed hearing for People v. Giselle Farias Smiel, excluding the public and ADA support. The hearing was moved without notice from Department 34 to Department 127, raising significant concerns…
The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.
Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the arrest and prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel, raising concerns about transparency and due process. This refusal undermines public trust in law enforcement and the justice…