by Barry Goldstein and Veronica York Just as custody courts developed responses for domestic violence at a time when no research was available, early proponents of shared parenting sought to experiment when there was no research about shared parenting. Initially, parents seeking shared parenting did so voluntarily, in situations where they were able to communicate and cooperate. There is now … [Read more...]
Dear Judge Responding to DV Custody Cases
by Barry Goldstein Dear Judge,The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges seeks to train other judges about important scientific research like ACE (adverse childhood experiences) and Saunders. We now have a specialized body of research and knowledge about domestic violence and child abuse that can help courts recognize true reports of abuse and craft responses that help protect … [Read more...]
Family Courts’ Worst Trade for Kids: Safe Primary Attachment Figures vs. Abusers with “Rights”
Essay by Barry Goldstein How would a typical family court analyze a case in which they believe a safe mother who is the primary attachment figure has failed to promote the relationship with a father the mother believes is dangerous and abusive? In many ways, this is the typical custody case the courts would call “high conflict,” and experts familiar with current scientific research would call … [Read more...]
California Courts Harm Kids By Ignoring the Science
In child custody cases, courts overwhelmingly side with manipulative, abusive fathers. One lesson that thinking people learned from the pandemic is the importance of listening to the science. California leaders seem proud of their work to tame COVID by listening to the scientists. So why do they allow their courts to ignore important scientific research, particularly when children are … [Read more...]
Double Standard in DV Custody Cases Hurts Children – Three Custody Practices Incompatible with Fair Outcomes
Essay by Barry Goldstein The American Justice System is based on the belief that when each side is given the opportunity to make their best case, the court will reach a fair decision. The obvious problem is when parties have widely disparate financial resources, particularly when only one party can afford an attorney. Courts have sought to respond by providing attorneys for defendants facing … [Read more...]