When “I Wish They Were Gone” Becomes a Blueprint: What the Research Says About Hostility and Parental Alienation
The article by Michael Phillips explores the complexities of parental alienation in family court settings, highlighting the prevalence of hostile parental dynamics and their impact on children. It emphasizes that while parental alienation is common, it…
When the System Moves Fast: Child Support Gets DHS. Parenting Time Gets a Court Date.
Argentina has collaborated with U.S. authorities to bar 13,000 fathers who owe child support from entering World Cup venues, showcasing a robust enforcement system for financial obligations. In contrast, U.S. family courts lack similar mechanisms for…
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.
Marriage Equality Matters. So Does Family Court Equality.
Michael Phillips reflects on the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which established marriage rights for all but highlights the shortcomings of family courts. These courts lack procedural safeguards, leading to disproportionate consequences…
The Closed Circuit
The content discusses the systemic issues within family courts that undermine the efficacy of documentation provided by targeted parents. It highlights the influence of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) on custody evaluations and…
The Door You Keep Open
The piece discusses the emotional and psychological toll of parental alienation on targeted parents, describing their grief as ambiguous loss without societal recognition. It emphasizes the complexity of reconnection with alienated children and suggests…
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…
The Other Side Writes the Order. Here’s Why That Should Concern You.
In California family court, the attorney representing the winning side drafts the official court order, which becomes the permanent record of proceedings. This practice poses significant risks for self-represented litigants who may be unaware of their…
Fighting Through It
The article discusses the consequences of dismissing a father's illness within legal proceedings, as exemplified by the author's experience with pneumonia and a high-conflict separation. Despite medical documentation, his former partner accused him of…
The Federal Government Will Ground You for Unpaid Child Support. It Has No Answer for Stolen Parenting Time.
The Trump administration's policy, effective May 9, 2026, revokes passports from parents owing over $2,500 in child support debt, without considering individual circumstances. This disproportionately affects struggling parents, especially those involved…