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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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2 - Analysis / 3 - Investigations / Circuit Court / Civil Court / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Court Corruption / Court Reform / Domestic Policy / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government / Institutions / Institutions & Accountability / Justice & Governance / Maryland / Maryland Watch

No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

An investigation reveals a significant accountability gap in Maryland’s family court system, where civil rights complaints against judges lack external oversight and transparency. Complaints filed are often sealed and unreported, leading to systemic noncompliance without recourse for litigants. This raises critical issues about judicial accountability and the structures that enable potential misconduct.

No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice Read More
3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / California / California Watch / Court Corruption / Family Court Reform / Institutions / The Reyna Files

The Mother the System Called the Problem

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On Parental Alienation Awareness Day, Rhonda Reyna’s story exposes a disturbing inversion inside the family court system: the very label meant to protect children from manipulation is increasingly used against the parent raising legitimate safety concerns. As documented warnings go ignored and protective actions are reframed as “alienation,” the system meant to safeguard families instead becomes the mechanism separating them.

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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Brenna Gano Case / California / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Institutions

When Family Court Leaves the Courtroom

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article highlights the risks parents face in private judging during family court proceedings, often unaware of its binding nature. Many experience significant pressure and confusion, leading to irreversible agreements without fully understanding the consequences. It emphasizes the need for clarity and proper legal guidance before consenting to such processes.

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3 - Investigations / Accountability / California / California Watch / Government / Government / Public Records & Transparency

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel, raising concerns about transparency and due process. Despite legal obligations under the California Public Records Act, agencies have issued denials and delays, undermining public trust and accountability in the justice system.

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom. Read More
Campaigns / Child Custody / Corruption / Court Corruption / Court Reform / Elections / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Florida / Legal Reform / Parental Rights / Politics / The Corruption Series

Family Law Reform Needs Truth, Not Dismissal: Why Chris Felder’s Comment Misses the Point

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Candidates in family law reform face critical challenges as they navigate a broken system that affects countless families. Chris Felder’s comments on apathy overlook the realities of corruption and injustice that families experience. Meaningful reform demands accountability and honest acknowledgment of systemic failures, prioritizing families’ voices and needs over dismissive rhetoric.

Family Law Reform Needs Truth, Not Dismissal: Why Chris Felder’s Comment Misses the Point Read More
bias / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Support / Child Support / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Corruption / Court Corruption / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Divorce / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Father's Rights / Judicial Disability / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Misconduct / parental rights / Rights and Freedoms / The Corruption Series

Maryland’s Family Courts: Rights on Paper, Injustice in Practice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland’s family court system faces severe criticism for failing to protect children and uphold parental rights. Issues include non-enforcement of court orders, mishandling of abuse allegations, and lack of accountability. Judges exercise unchecked discretion, leading to bias and procedural irregularities, ultimately causing harm to families and children caught in the system.

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Child Custody / Child Custody / Court Reform / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Mental Health

How Family Courts Are Ignoring the Trauma They Create: Every Denied Parent Is an Extra ACE Score for a Child

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The family court system often harms children by enabling one parent to restrict access to the other, causing psychological trauma. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase with such estrangement, leading to long-term emotional and physical issues. Courts frequently fail to protect children from these harmful dynamics, exacerbating trauma instead of addressing it.

How Family Courts Are Ignoring the Trauma They Create: Every Denied Parent Is an Extra ACE Score for a Child Read More
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“Who’s Protecting the Children?”: John Myrick Calls for Family Court Investigation in Maryland

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In Maryland, gubernatorial candidate John Myrick criticizes the family court system, arguing it’s corrupt and favors financial interests over children’s welfare. He highlights how Title IV-D funding exacerbates conflicts of interest, denying parental rights and causing family separation. Myrick calls for oversight reforms to enhance accountability and protect all parents’ rights.

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Child Custody / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Father's Rights / Opinion / parental rights / Rights and Freedoms

A Second Declaration: How the Family Court Crisis Mirrors the Reasons We Fought for Independence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article by Michael Phillips argues that modern family courts in the U.S. mirror the injustices of colonial rule, stripping parents of rights and imposing financial burdens without representation. It highlights issues of autonomy, accountability, and exploitation, urging a movement for reform to restore parental rights and challenge the corrupt judicial system.

A Second Declaration: How the Family Court Crisis Mirrors the Reasons We Fought for Independence Read More