In 2021, Rashawd Hines knew he had to act when his son cried each time before returning to his mother’s house. So the Lakeland, Florida, man wrote a letter to a Polk County clerk’s office in Florida requesting a family court hearing to gain full custody of Jayden, just 2. In the letter, Hines wrote he feared for the safety of his boy, but the court did not immediately act on his … [Read more...]
‘Greyson’s Law’ heading to final House committee approval
Hearing on law dedicated to murdered 4-year-old filled with harrowing stories, tears and emotion. A bill that would evaluate threats against an ex-partner or spouse in determining visitation and custody is heading to a final House committee stop. Democratic Rep. Hillary Cassel’s bill (HB 97) received unanimous approval from the Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee. Democratic Sen. … [Read more...]
Family Courts Need Domestic Violence Experts: 20 Common Mistakes in Evaluations Judges Miss
Essay by Barry Goldstein & Veronica York The original sin family courts made in responding to domestic violence cases was turning to mental health professionals as if they were the experts. It is not that psychologists have nothing to contribute, but they do not have the specialized knowledge of domestic violence, child sexual abuse and other critical issues. The original mistake … [Read more...]
Alienation Distraction Tactics
Essay by Barry Goldstein There is a pattern in most domestic violence custody cases that would help courts understand child custody disputes better and avoid mistakes that place children in jeopardy. In most cases, during the relationship the father wanted or demanded the mother provide most of the child care. In any other type of litigation, this pattern would be recognized as an admission by … [Read more...]
Federal Lawsuit Claims NY Judge Anthony McGinty Favors Abusive Men in Custody Cases
An upstate New York domestic violence survivor, author, and family child advocate Francesca Amato said Ulster County Family Court Judge Anthony McGinty violated her rights by awarding custody of her teen son to her abusive ex — and she claims other female litigants are facing similar fates, an explosive federal lawsuit alleges. Judge McGinty placed her 13-year-old son with a father, who has a … [Read more...]