The Training Nobody Requires
California family law judges and attorneys receive training on neurodivergence and its impact in family court; however, critical lessons regarding mental health bias are not mandated. Despite research advocating a link between mental health conditions…
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…
The Retirement Defense: Why “I’ll Make Less Later” Rarely Moves a Family Court Now
A South Carolina appeals court ruled in Updegraff v. Updegraff that a spouse's anticipated future income change cannot modify current alimony obligations, emphasizing courts shouldn't speculate on future financial situations. This decision highlights a…
The Alienation Shortcut
When abuse records and alienation claims collide, courts have to decide what evidence matters. New laws are trying to force judges to review the record — but almost nobody reviews the judges.
The Wall Nobody Sees: How “Quasi-Judicial Immunity” Shields Family Court Officials Nationwide
Annelise Rice's civil rights lawsuit against various professionals involved in her custody case was dismissed due to quasi-judicial immunity. The judge acknowledged her suffering but ruled that accountability for bad decisions in family courts is…
The Squeeze: When Two Broken Systems Land on the Same Parent
A recent federal memo rescinded restrictions on states disqualifying SNAP benefits for noncooperation with child support, potentially affecting struggling parents caught in enforcement gaps. This policy shift underscores systemic issues where child…
The System Has a Business Model. These Books Prove It.
The post presents a reading list for parents seeking to understand the family court system's mechanics and how it impacts children. It highlights several books that explore themes of corruption, profit-driven practices, and systemic failures within…
A Voice That Isn’t Theirs: How the Child’s Voice Project Gets It Wrong for the Parents Who Need Help Most
The Child's Voice Project (CVP) aims to provide representation for children in custody cases but may inadvertently empower biased narratives, particularly in situations involving parental alienation. The model’s lack of transparency, training protocols,…
The Second Access Tax: How Family Court Privatized the Cost of Parenting
The article examines the concept of the "Access Tax" in American family court systems, highlighting how financial burdens are disproportionately placed on parents, particularly during custody disputes. Costs escalate due to systemic incentives benefiting…
Same States, Two Standards: The Custody Enforcement Gap Guardianship Reform Exposed
The article compares how different states address custody enforcement for children when a parent faces immigration-related detainment or deportation. Some states, like D.C. and California, allow immediate guardianship without judicial oversight, while…