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 doctrine application. The systemic challenges in the court impact families more than her individual performance.
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 threshold for fraud. A full trial is scheduled for December 28, 2026.
The Same Tools
The article explores how tactics used in controlling marriages transition to family court, impacting custody cases. It highlights four parents’ experiences, demonstrating a structural failure of family courts to recognize coercive control patterns. The author argues for reforms to enable courts to assess relationship dynamics in custody decisions and address ongoing litigation abuse.
No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice
An investigation reveals a significant accountability gap in Maryland’s family court system, where civil rights complaints against judges lack external oversight and transparency. Complaints filed are often sealed and unreported, leading to systemic noncompliance without recourse for litigants. This raises critical issues about judicial accountability and the structures that enable potential misconduct.
Parental Alienation as Labor Exploitation
Over 22 million American parents face systemic separation from their children due to parental alienation, a serious issue recognized but inadequately addressed by courts. This exploitation results in significant emotional and economic costs for families, reflecting institutional failure. The legal system must enforce its orders to protect parental rights effectively.
Medicaid, Disability, and Custody
The article discusses the challenges faced by parents with disabilities in custody proceedings, highlighting how loss of Medicaid coverage impacts their parental fitness assessments. Despite legal protections under the ADA, systemic gaps persist, often forcing parents to relinquish custody to access necessary services. This situation exacerbates discrimination in family courts against disabled parents.
They’re Adults Now. He Still Can’t Call Them.
Marc Fishman’s children are no longer caught in a custody battle — they’re adults. And yet the silence remains. His case exposes a reality rarely discussed: when parental alienation succeeds, it doesn’t end. It becomes permanent.
A Father’s Silence: How Jeffrey Reichert Lost His Son to a System That Stopped Listening
Jeffrey Reichert hasn’t seen his son since 2022. Every criminal charge filed against him failed. Yet he lost custody—and contact. This investigation examines how it happened, and what it reveals about Maryland’s family court system.
Inside the California Custody Cartel
In California, family courts are criticized for prioritizing profit over justice, leading to parents like Brenna Gano losing custody rights. Gano’s experience highlights a system where judges and therapists exploit conflicts for financial gain, particularly against those with disabilities, resulting in prolonged suffering and legal challenges. The issue reflects a pervasive crisis in family court…
Born at 23 Weeks. Given 1%. Now Playing for a Championship.
Derick Hall’s inspiring journey began as a premature baby with a 1% survival rate, defying all odds due to his mother’s unwavering belief in his life. Now an NFL linebacker, he honors his roots through the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation, advocating for premature babies and emphasizing that perseverance and family matters far more than…
Withdrawn but Not Resolved: Inside a Maryland Case That Wouldn’t End Quietly
In a Maryland family law case, attorney Jeff Reichert voluntarily dismissed his petition without prejudice, intending to withdraw due to unresolved ADA accommodation issues. Despite this, a pre-trial conference was still scheduled, prompting the opposing counsel to request punitive sanctions. The court ultimately declined to impose any penalties, highlighting procedural complexities.
Five Hearings, No Parent: How Maryland Family Courts Build a Record Without Participation
The article discusses the troubling issue of “non-appearance” in Maryland family courts, particularly highlighted in the case of Jeffrey Reichert. It reveals how the court proceeded with hearings without accommodating Reichert’s disability, leading to unjust rulings. The federal court later affirmed his rights under the ADA, but systemic exclusion persisted, emphasizing the need for reform…
The ADA Survival Guide for Family Court
Disabled parents must proactively assert their rights in family court under the ADA to ensure meaningful participation. This guide emphasizes the importance of requesting reasonable accommodations in writing, documenting any exclusion, and understanding that disability does not equate to unfitness. Early action and clear communication are key to protecting one’s voice.
When Family Court Proceeds Without a Parent, That’s Not “Non-Appearance.” It’s Exclusion.
Jeff Reichert’s case highlights how family courts can proceed without a parent, effectively erasing them from the process due to denied accommodations for disabilities. A federal judge acknowledged the need for remote participation under disability law, yet family court continued without him, penalizing his absence as misconduct. This raises concerns about fairness and legitimacy in…
AI as Accommodation in the Courtroom: Why Self-Represented Litigants Need Support, Not Suspicion
The article highlights the challenges faced by self-represented litigants in family and civil courts, where the legal system assumes knowledge of complex processes. It argues that AI tools can enhance accessibility and support, allowing these individuals to navigate the legal landscape more effectively, ultimately promoting fairness and participation in an often inequitable system.
Florida Bill Targets a Quiet Family Court Problem: Punishing Parents for Legal Medical Care
A proposed Florida bill aims to protect parents who use medical marijuana from having their custody or visitation rights unfairly restricted. The legislation asserts that medical marijuana use should not automatically be deemed harmful, requiring evidence of actual risk instead. This change addresses the stigma against compliant users and seeks to ensure fair family court…
A “Temporary” Order That Never Ended: Lawsuit Highlights Four Years of Father–Child Separation in Maryland
A lawsuit in Baltimore County highlights the issue of temporary family court orders becoming permanent, resulting in prolonged separation between a father, Jeff Reichert, and his son, Grant. Reichert claims a no-contact order led to nearly four years of absence from his son’s life, while raising concerns about third-party interference and disability rights in custody…
Steny Hoyer Retires — And the ADA Legacy That Defined His Career
Steny Hoyer’s legacy in Congress is primarily linked to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which he helped champion as a chief sponsor. The ADA transformed access and inclusion for millions of people with disabilities, although disparities in employment persist. Hoyer’s disciplined, bipartisan approach exemplified effective governance, reflecting ongoing challenges in enforcing disability…
When Police Ignore Disability Accommodations, Families Pay the Price
A federal appeal highlights the systemic issue of disabled parents being denied necessary accommodations during police encounters, particularly in custody disputes. Marc H. Fishman’s case illustrates how such denials can lead to misunderstandings and legal repercussions. The appeal seeks to affirm that disability rights persist during law enforcement interactions, emphasizing fair treatment and support for…
When Accessibility Becomes Optional: The White House ASL Interpreter Fight and America’s Disability Enforcement Gap
Federal court rulings requiring the White House to provide ASL interpreters for briefings highlight systemic issues in disability rights enforcement in the U.S. The American Sign Language debate reflects broader patterns where compliance with accessibility laws largely occurs only through litigation, signaling a culture of neglect towards disabled citizens’ rights.
“You Can’t Take Someone’s Children Without a Real Lawyer”: What New York’s Landmark Ruling Means for Parents Fighting for Their Families
The New York Court of Appeals’ ruling in the Matter of Parker J. highlights the systemic failures of family courts that can unjustly sever parental rights. It asserts the necessity of effective legal representation, particularly for marginalized parents. This decision validates the struggles faced by many and emphasizes the need for reform in family court…
When Power Shifts at the Top, Families Feel It First: What Trump v. Slaughter Means for Parents, Rights, and Everyday Justice
The Supreme Court case Trump v. Slaughter, argued on December 8, 2025, could drastically alter the independence of federal agencies like the FTC and SEC. This change impacts families relying on social security, workplace rights, and consumer protections. The outcome may lead to political shifts in agency functions, affecting everyday lives.
When Courts Violate Federal Law: The Hidden Civil-Rights Crisis Facing Disabled Litigants in America
The American court system increasingly fails disabled litigants, violating the ADA’s requirements for meaningful access and accommodations. This results in life-altering consequences, as courts often dismiss, punish, or ignore disabilities. Project ADA aims to document these systemic failures to highlight this civil-rights crisis and advocate for reforms and accountability.
Courtroom PTSD: How High-Conflict Custody Battles Create Lifelong Trauma
Family court trauma is real—and it’s destroying lives. This article exposes how high-conflict custody battles cause long-term psychological damage, especially for parents with CPTSD, ADHD, or trauma history. Learn how the legal system punishes the vulnerable while enabling abuse.
Disability Advocates Condemn New York Court of Appeals and Judge Anthony Cannataro for Denying Disabled Father Access to Justice
On November 19, 2025, New York’s highest court dismissed Marc Fishman’s appeal for ADA accommodations, claiming it lacked jurisdiction. Advocates decry this ruling as systemic discrimination, highlighting that state courts can ignore federal mandates. They call for legislative reform to ensure disabled individuals can appeal ADA violations and seek justice.