The holidays are usually a time for family, but it's particularly painful for some parents who lost their children to the family court system. "I can't speak to my kids. I can't contact them. I can't tell them I love them. I've missed Thanksgiving. I've missed birthdays. I'm going to miss Christmas, and I'm going to miss New Year's, and there's no guarantee that I'll be able to see them come … [Read more...]
Our Justice System Must Become More Victim-Centric
Opinion by Retired Judge Eugene M. Hyman If the pandemic has had any kind of benefit, it’s that it has raised awareness of the functions and dysfunctions of our courts and our prisons. But if the actions we’re taking to correct these problems aren’t considered thoroughly and acted on properly, the cost will likely come at the expense of children and victims of domestic violence and other violent … [Read more...]
‘Women Are Routinely Discredited’: How Courts Fail Mothers and Children Who Have Survived Abuse
This report from The Fuller Project, in partnership with the Guardian, details the routine family court failure to believe and protect mothers and children who have survived abuse and how abusive partners using the courts to control and harass their current and former partners. “I’m losing everything,” says Marissa, who learned last September, in the middle of an already contentious custody … [Read more...]
Community Rallies for Reform in Courts After 4-year-old Greyson Kessler Killed in Murder-Suicide by Father
Alison Kessler had been fighting in the courts to get her 4-year-old son, Greyson Kessler, out of his father’s custody after he sent her pages and pages of abusive, threatening messages, but to no avail in court. On the day she filed an emergency order (Judge Michael Kaplan denied the motion), officers found Greyson shot to death along with his father. She believes it could have been … [Read more...]
Workgroup Seeks Changes to Domestic Violence, Custody, and Abuse Proceedings
On Monday, December 7th at a joint hearing, the House Judiciary and Senate Judicial Proceedings Committees heard recommendations from the Workgroup to Study Child Custody Proceedings Involving Child Abuse or Domestic Violence Allegations. Child Custody Workgroup members including Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobnensmith as well as Ruth Glenn, President of the National Coalition … [Read more...]