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...]
Open Letter to Family Court Lawyers from a Domestic Violence Expert
by Veronica York, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Custody Expert, Certified High-Conflict Divorce Coach Most family court custody cases are settled amicably. It’s only about 3.8% of cases that require trial and often much more. These cases are typically deemed “high conflict” by family court professionals. The reality is 75-90% of these cases are domestic violence and/or child abuse cases. … [Read more...]
The Child Knows Best: The Resultant Provision of Wellbeing When the Court Hears & Rules Accordingly
by Genevieve Brackins, Ph.D. Children inherently deserve to be nurtured and supported in their growth and development yet abuse all too often harms the wellbeing and development of children.[1] When a parent does not provide care and protection for a child the child may attempt self-preservation. This attempt may take the form of trying to stay beyond the reach of an abusive parent. Yet, family … [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...]