The System Let Her Down First
Aaron Spencer's murder case was dismissed because critical evidence was mishandled. But the larger question remains: why was a man accused of dozens of child sex offenses able to violate a no-contact order and reconnect with his alleged victim in the…
The Closed Loop: How AFCC Captured Maryland’s Family Courts
Michael Phillips highlights a persistent issue in Maryland's family court system, where court-ordered communication through platforms like OurFamilyWizard fails due to lack of enforcement against non-compliant parents. This situation reveals a systematic…
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…
Still Here: The Intake Form
In April 2026, a father discovers his son Dylan has been in therapy for a year without his knowledge. Following the separation from Dylan's mother, he gained access to the therapy process, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in mental…
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…
Court Denies Brenna Gano’s Motions — But Sets the Stage for Trial
A San Mateo family court judge rejected Brenna Gano's requests to set aside a contested 2022 settlement, citing statute of limitations issues. While Gano claimed duress and lack of accommodations, the judge ruled her allegations did not meet the…
Court Watchers Needed Tomorrow Morning in Redwood City, California
A San Mateo County family court hearing is scheduled for May 20, where Brenna Gano will request to overturn a 2022 settlement agreement she claims was signed under coercion. This motion raises conflict-of-interest concerns regarding Judge Vivian Wang.…
Before the Record, There Was a Marriage. This Is How It Ended — And How Everything That Followed Began.
The Still Here series documents a father's struggle to maintain a relationship with his son after a tumultuous marriage that ended with a protective order. It reveals a pattern of emotional abuse and systemic failures in recognizing male victims of…