The Holiday “Reasonableness” Trap: How Courts Let Compromise Replace Court Orders
Michael Phillips discusses how family courts encourage flexibility during holidays, leading to a detrimental shift from enforceable rights to vague accommodations. Such changes often result in unilateral modifications and normalization of non-compliance.…
Two Years Without a Parent — and a Christmas Denial That Says Everything About Family Court Enforcement
Michael Phillips reveals his two-year struggle with denied parenting time despite a standing court order from Montgomery County. He highlights systemic failures within the family court system, emphasizing that when court orders remain unenforced,…
The Family Court Crisis Is Going Global — And No One Is Coordinating the Response
Parents globally report troubling experiences with family courts, citing opaque proceedings, financial burdens, and minimal accountability. Despite varied legal systems, similar failures emerge, revealing structural issues rather than isolated incidents.…
Holiday Smiles, Closed Doors: When a Parent Performs Peace While Erasing the Other Parent
The article discusses the complexities of parental access during the holidays, highlighting how family courts often misinterpret courteous behavior as compliance. It critiques performative co-parenting, where one parent denies access while maintaining a…
What Happens When a Parent Follows the Court Order — and the Court Refuses to Enforce It?
Family courts promise to protect children's relationships with both parents, yet enforcement often fails, leading to significant family disruptions. Many compliant parents face ignored motions and lack of communication enforcement, fostering unilateral…
Maryland’s Transcript Trap: How Ordinary People Like Bernard Miller and Shaoshan Feng Were Shut Out of Justice
In Maryland, access to justice is often an illusion, particularly for the poor. Bernard Miller and Shaoshan Feng's experiences show the barriers faced in appealing court decisions due to prohibitive transcript costs. Their stories illustrate a flawed…
When Allegations Outlive the Case
The article examines the unresolved nature of allegations in Giselle Smiel’s case, highlighting the impact of criminal protective orders against Jeff Smiel. While these orders reflect judicial assessments of risk, they don't confirm guilt. The failure to…
When “Coercive Control” Enters Family Court, Fathers Should Pay Attention
South Carolina's Senate Bill 702 aims to legally recognize "coercive control" as domestic abuse, impacting custody disputes. While intended to address psychological abuse, critics highlight due process concerns, questioning how such allegations could…
When “Privacy” Is Used as a Weapon: What Fathers Need to Know About Public Court Records
The article addresses misconceptions about court records, particularly in custody disputes. It clarifies that public records aren’t private and can be discussed without consent. Intimidation tactics often silence parents, compromising transparency and…
When the Court Steps In: What Michigan’s New Abuse and Neglect Court Gets Right — and What Parents Should Watch Closely
St. Joseph County, Michigan, will launch a $60,000 specialized Abuse and Neglect Court in January 2026, focusing on child welfare cases related to parental substance use. While it aims to support family reunification, concerns exist about coercion and…