A Father Steps Forward: Georgia Custody Case Exposes Gaps in Unmarried Parents’ Rights
A Georgia family court case resulted in Adrian Harden gaining custody of his son Chance after his mother died. The case highlighted flaws in state law affecting unmarried fathers' parental rights, prompting calls for "Chance’s Law" to simplify…
Pennsylvania Custody Exchange Ends in Tragedy, Raising Questions About Family Court Safety Failures
A post-Christmas custody exchange in Pennsylvania turned deadly, renewing concerns about why family courts continue to allow unsupervised exchanges in high-conflict cases.
California Did This First: What Colorado’s New Custody Ruling Reveals About a Longstanding Legal Trend
The Colorado Court of Appeals' recent ruling allows for felony charges per child for violating custody orders, aligning with California's established laws that treat each child as a separate victim in custody cases. This raises concerns about increased…
Florida Lawmakers Revisit Grandparent Visitation — A Narrow Proposal Raises Big Questions About Family, Courts, and Child Welfare
As Florida approaches its 2026 legislative session, lawmakers are considering SB 674, which would allow grandparents to seek court-ordered visitation under specific tragic circumstances. While intended to protect children's welfare, there are concerns…
The Family Court Crisis Is Going Global — And No One Is Coordinating the Response
Parents globally report troubling experiences with family courts, citing opaque proceedings, financial burdens, and minimal accountability. Despite varied legal systems, similar failures emerge, revealing structural issues rather than isolated incidents.…
Family Courts Under Fire in Northern Ireland: Parents Say System Is “Scary” and “Not Fit for Purpose”
A backlash against Northern Ireland's family court system raises concerns about its effectiveness in protecting children amid domestic abuse. Parents describe a system that is intimidating and slow, often compounding trauma. Judicial acknowledgment of…
Operation Northern Lights: A Quiet but Powerful Win for Florida’s Most Vulnerable Children
Operation Northern Lights successfully recovered 43 missing children across Florida and neighboring states, demonstrating effective government collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the operation led to…
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…
When the Court Steps In: What Michigan’s New Abuse and Neglect Court Gets Right — and What Parents Should Watch Closely
St. Joseph County, Michigan, will launch a $60,000 specialized Abuse and Neglect Court in January 2026, focusing on child welfare cases related to parental substance use. While it aims to support family reunification, concerns exist about coercion and…
Maryland Must Act: The Legislature Cannot Ignore the Systemic Failures Exposed by Clarke v. Gibson
The Maryland Supreme Court's ruling in Clarke v. Gibson reveals critical flaws in the state's protective-order system, which often deprives parents of rights without sufficient evidence. To restore fairness, lawmakers must implement statutory reforms,…