The Access Gap AI Was Supposed to Close — And What It’s Opening Instead
A recent appellate court case highlighted issues with AI-generated citations in custody matters, revealing a trend where self-represented litigants submit filings containing fabricated legal references. This problem threatens the grace doctrine, which…
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…
Silence as Strategy
The article discusses how selective silence in family court is often overlooked as a form of control. It emphasizes that this non-response blocks communication and coordination, creating power imbalances. Courts tend to trivialize silence, failing to…
Discretion Without Accountability
Family court decisions often lack transparency, as judges exercise discretion without providing explanations, leading to inconsistent outcomes and a lack of accountability. This opacity hinders parents' ability to challenge rulings or appeal effectively,…
What Family Court Is (and Is Not)
Family court, as a civil court, adjudicates family-related disputes without criminal proceedings. This distinction affects evidence standards, burdens of proof, and constitutional protections, often surprising parents unprepared for the differences.…
Selective Enforcement
Family court orders often lack consistent enforcement, creating a two-tier system where compliance burdens the harmed parent. Violating parties can evade consequences, particularly those with resources, leading to a normalization of noncompliance. This…
The Status Quo Trap
The article discusses how temporary orders in family court often become permanent due to inaction and procedural delays. While labeled as provisional, these orders can solidify over time, negatively impacting families, particularly children. The status…
Justice Deferred Is Parenting Denied
Family courts often utilize delays as a strategic tool against parents, prolonging access to children and enabling ongoing harm. These delays create a status quo bias that benefits the controlling party, disproportionately affecting parents with fewer…
You Didn’t Fail to Escalate. You Were Constrained.
Family court often unfairly assumes that parents should escalate their situations, disregarding the constraints they face, such as emotional and financial instability. This system rewards endurance over justice, leading to exhaustion and silence. The…