The Record Nobody Can Check
Maryland has passed Senate Bill 426, overriding a veto to protect sensitive divorce and custody records from public access to prevent harassment. However, this law may hinder accountability by making it difficult to verify document integrity and identify…
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.
Withdrawn but Not Resolved: Inside a Maryland Case That Wouldn’t End Quietly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…
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…
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…