What “Parental Rights” Leaves Out
Defending Education's RISE report ranks states on parental rights, focusing on school transparency and sex education laws. Tennessee and Alabama top the list, while Illinois ranks last. The report, however, neglects to address custody laws, leading to…
Pennsylvania’s Custody Bill Gets Its Day at the Capitol. Whether It Gets a Vote Is Another Question.
Pennsylvania's House Bill 1499 proposes equal parenting time as the legal standard in custody cases, aiming for shared physical and legal custody near 50%. The bill emphasizes child safety considerations and requires clear evidence for any deviations.…
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 This movement proposes 50-50 custody as the default, challenging outdated norms.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…
Mississippi Is Four Days Away from Rewriting Custody Law. Here’s What’s at Stake.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves must decide by April 13 whether to sign House Bill 1662, which mandates joint custody as a starting point for custody cases. If signed, it would reshape family court procedures, promoting equal parenting and requiring…
Rebuttable Presumptions vs. the “Best Interest” Standard: What Actually Changes in Custody Law
Lawmakers are increasingly debating custody reforms centered around two main frameworks: the traditional “best interest of the child” standard, which allows judicial discretion, and newer rebuttable presumptions favoring equal parenting, which require…
Equal Parenting Rights in America: Incremental Progress, State by State
In early 2026, the movement for equal parenting rights progresses at the state level in the U.S., with varying legislative reforms. Six states have enacted strong shared parenting laws, fostering incremental changes. Despite ongoing debates about…
Trusted Until It Matters
The article highlights the inconsistencies in family court regarding claims of distrust between parents. It criticizes the system for accepting untested assertions of untrustworthiness, leading to unjust restrictions on parenting time. The impact on…
What South Carolina’s Family Court Battle Teaches Every Father Fighting to Stay in His Child’s Life
Rom Reddy's op-ed addresses the systemic challenges fathers face in family courts, highlighting issues like unsubstantiated allegations and court biases leading to unfair custody arrangements. He advocates for a 50/50 parenting presumption in South…
International Men’s Day: The Crisis No One Wants to Talk About
International Men’s Day, observed on November 19, emphasizes the struggles men face, particularly fathers dealing with the family-court system. Despite its intent to raise awareness about men’s mental health and systemic bias, the day often goes…