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The Judge Who Wasn’t Ready

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Judge Vivian Wang, recently appointed with no family law experience, denied motions in a complex custody case involving alleged fraud and disability accommodations. Critics argue her procedural ruling lacked thorough legal analysis, particularly regarding limitations and equitable tolling. The upcoming trial may test her judicial capabilities and the fairness of the process.

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4 - Cases / Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / Court Corruption / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Federal Court / Institutions / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / The Reichert Files

Two Courts, Two Answers: How a Federal Accommodation Order Exposed the Anne Arundel Circuit Court’s ADA Defiance

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

In January 2026, a federal magistrate granted Jeffrey Reichert remote ADA accommodations for pretrial hearings, while the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court repeatedly denied his requests, even barring him from future filings. This stark contrast raises questions about court compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and retaliation against disabled litigants.

Two Courts, Two Answers: How a Federal Accommodation Order Exposed the Anne Arundel Circuit Court’s ADA Defiance Read More
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The Gatekeeper

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Brenna Gano alleges that Samantha Esver-Poon, a Family Court Services counselor in San Mateo County, fabricated agreements and neglected evidence, leading to her estrangement from her son Jacob. Despite ongoing complaints, including violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Esver-Poon remains employed, and the county has yet to address the allegations.

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4 - Cases / Ada Accommodations / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Family Court / The Reichert Files

Locked Out

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A father who once had primary custody now finds himself locked out—not just of his child’s life, but of the courtroom itself. As proceedings move forward without his participation, filings raise urgent questions about jurisdiction, due process, and whether access to justice in Maryland depends on who the system allows through the door.

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Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Court Reform / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Discrimination / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Federal Court / Parental Rights / parental rights / Rights and Freedoms / The Reichert Files

Disabled Father’s Explosive ADA Lawsuit Slams Maryland Court for Systemic Discrimination—Will AG Brown Defend the Indefensible?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Disabled veteran Jeff Reichert’s federal lawsuit against the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court reveals alleged systematic discrimination and retaliation in his custody battle. Despite his disabilities, the court denied reasonable accommodations required under the ADA, raising significant concerns about bias and access to justice within Maryland’s family court system.

Disabled Father’s Explosive ADA Lawsuit Slams Maryland Court for Systemic Discrimination—Will AG Brown Defend the Indefensible? Read More
Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Family Court / New York / New York Watch / The Fishman Files

Disability Advocates Condemn New York Court of Appeals and Judge Anthony Cannataro for Denying Disabled Father Access to Justice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The New York Court of Appeals dismissed Marc Fishman’s appeal regarding ADA violations during his seven-year litigation, claiming it lacked jurisdiction. Despite a federal judge’s order for accommodations, Westchester courts denied necessary support, highlighting systemic issues in New York’s justice system that prevent disabled litigants from obtaining fair treatment and redress. Advocates call for legislative reforms.

Disability Advocates Condemn New York Court of Appeals and Judge Anthony Cannataro for Denying Disabled Father Access to Justice Read More
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Justice Cannot Be Blind to Invisible Disabilities

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland courts are increasingly denying ADA accommodation requests for individuals with invisible disabilities, leading to severe consequences. Judges are making medical determinations without proper evaluations, overshadowing federal law. This systemic failure calls for reforms including empowered ADA coordinators, necessary written responses, independent oversight, and better judicial training to honor ADA rights effectively.

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Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Giselle Smiel faces five felonies, including kidnapping, for picking up her crying child at a San Diego school. Her defense argues there was no force or substantial movement, pointing to lack of evidence and jurisdictional issues. Advocates highlight constitutional violations and ADA neglect in her arrest, seeking dismissal of charges and oversight on family-court mechanisms in criminal cases.

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Accountability / Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / Court Corruption / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Discrimination / Family Court / Law Enforcement / Misconduct / New York / New York Watch / Parental Rights / parental rights / Rights and Freedoms

Supervised Visitation in Westchester County: A Probation-Run Program That Proves False Arrest

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In 2018, Marc Fishman was falsely arrested during a supervised visitation with his son, igniting a lawsuit over civil rights and disability discrimination. Under Westchester County policy, his probation officer was present, but law enforcement acted without her approval, highlighting systemic issues in the county’s handling of supervised visitation and civil rights violations.

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Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / California / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Equality & Equal Opportunity / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government Reform / Maryland / Mental Health / New York / San Marcos Abduction Attempt / The Fishman Files / The Smiel Series / Uncategorized

The Disabilities You Don’t See — and the Systems That Still Don’t See Us

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article addresses the plight of individuals with invisible disabilities in America, highlighting systemic bias in courts and workplaces. Despite the ADA’s provisions, many face barriers due to outdated perceptions and bureaucratic inefficiencies, resulting in detrimental outcomes. Advocates emphasize the need for better enforcement and understanding of these disabilities.

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