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.…
The Gap Has No Side
A recent analysis reveals that family courts inadequately protect domestic violence victims due to implementation issues rather than legal authority. The research indicates systemic failures affect both victims and accused parents. Proposed reforms…
A Rash of Parents Killing Their Children? Twenty-One Cases From 2025–2026 and What They Show
The article reveals a grim series of 21 filicide cases from January 2025 to September 2026, detailing parental violence against children in various states. Many families had prior contact with child welfare or mental health services, raising questions…
The Present Tense Problem
A Pennsylvania Superior Court ruling determined that grandparents lack custody standing if no parental custody case is currently open, even after years of a consented relationship. This decision, stemming from the McGuire case, emphasizes the…
Signed Away
A Tampa Bay Times investigation reveals that many Hillsborough County families lose custody of children without legal representation or hearings. The report highlights over 300 cases where parents were pressured into temporary custody transfers. A…
She Had Time to Read It
Christina Avgerinos reached out to express concern over a Medium article that mentioned her and their son Dylan, accusing the author of hypocrisy while questioning the lack of communication regarding their child. The author highlights a consistent…
A Custody Exchange, an AR-15, and a Father Who Fired Back
A routine Florida custody exchange erupted in gunfire when authorities say the mother’s boyfriend opened fire with an AR-style rifle. The father fired back. The children escaped unharmed. And the case exposes a blind spot even Florida’s safe-exchange law…
What Losing Contact With a Child Does to a Parent’s Mind
Research indicates that parents alienated from their children suffer significant mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Current family court systems lack effective procedures to assess post-custody mental health…
The Chatbot in the Courtroom: What AI Means for the Parent Representing Themselves
Family courts often see a high rate of self-representation, with many turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for legal advice. While AI offers accessible help, it also poses risks, such as providing incorrect information or compromising legal privilege.…