In Virginia's courtrooms, unaccompanied children often represent themselves due to a lack of legal counsel, especially highlighted after a federal…
The Child Gets a Microphone. Who Controls the Room?
New Jersey's revised custody statute, under Kayden's Law, emphasizes children's expressed preferences in custody arrangements and mandates judicial documentation when…
Same States, Two Standards: The Custody Enforcement Gap Guardianship Reform Exposed
The article compares how different states address custody enforcement for children when a parent faces immigration-related detainment or deportation. Some…
Marriage Equality Matters. So Does Family Court Equality.
Michael Phillips reflects on the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which established marriage rights for all but highlights the…
The Equal Parenting Wave Is Here. Judges Should Pay Attention.
A significant shift in American family law is underway, with states like Mississippi, South Carolina, and California advancing equal parenting…
HB 942 and the Illusion of Enforcement
Maryland's HB 942 aims to criminalize custody order interference, acknowledging its serious impact on families. However, it faces challenges with…
Failure to Enforce
Many family court orders remain unenforced, leading to a collapse of rights for compliant parents. Courts prioritize new cases, while…
The Friendly Parent Trap
The article discusses how the "friendly parent" rule in family courts can unintentionally harm those involved in high-conflict or abusive…
The Alienation Accusation Loop
The article discusses the dangers of the "alienation accusation loop" in family courts, where the focus shifts from child safety…
Why Family Court Has Fewer Due Process Protections
Family court operates with fewer procedural protections than criminal or many civil courts, focusing on resolving private disputes and protecting…