Tag: court transparency
Child Custody / Child Custody / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Juveniles / Laws / Legislation / Virginia

Let the Child Be Heard: How Virginia’s New Law Empowers Truth and Justice in Family Court

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Virginia’s new law, HB 2115, effective July 1, 2025, empowers judges to summon children in family court to address high-conflict custody disputes. This reform aims to ensure children’s voices are heard, countering parental manipulation and creating a more balanced legal process. Other states, like Maryland, should consider similar measures for accountability and transparency.

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Court Corruption / Judges / Judicial Disability / The Corruption Series / Thunder's Wall of Shame / Virginia / Virginia Watch

Behind the Gavel: Scrutinizing Judge Penney Azcarate Beyond the Headlines

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Judge Penney Azcarate gained fame during the Depp-Heard trial but faces criticism for her family court practices in Virginia. Critics claim her decisions may hinder victims seeking justice, citing concerns over judicial conduct that balance her praised veterans’ advocacy against allegations of courtroom mismanagement and bias. Ongoing scrutiny suggests a complex legacy.

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Advocacy / Child Custody / Constitutional Law / Court Reform / Family Court / No One Is Coming

You Have the Right to Remain Silent—Yes, Even in Family Court

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Miranda Rights extend beyond criminal arrests to family court, which can threaten personal liberty and finances. Individuals facing inquiries about finances may invoke the Fifth Amendment to protect against self-incrimination. With no constitutional safeguards, understanding one’s rights in family court is essential, as the implications can be severe and life-altering.

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Adr / Advocacy / Attorneys / Child Custody / Constitutional Law / Corruption / Court Reform / Family Court / Fraud / Judges / Judicial Disability / Legislation

When the Innocent Fear the Courtroom: Why the Family Court System Must Be Abolished

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Family courts have become terrifying spaces for fit parents, often treating them as defendants and stripping them of custody based on unfounded allegations. The system is criticized for its coercive mediation practices, lack of due process, and enabling parental alienation. Reform is urgently needed to protect families and ensure justice.

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Anne Arundel County / Baltimore City / Baltimore County / Circuit Court / Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Family Court / Judges / Judicial Disability / The Reichert Files

Where Is Grant Reichert? A Father’s Plea, A System’s Silence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Jeff Reichert is desperately seeking his son, Grant, who has been missing for years amid a broken legal system that obstructs communication and denies wellness checks. Despite evidence of emotional distress and potential abuse, the court remains unresponsive, leaving Jeff fighting alone for accountability and reform. Where is Grant?

Where Is Grant Reichert? A Father’s Plea, A System’s Silence Read More
Adr / Contractors / Corruption / Court Reform / Family Court / Politics / Privitization

The Child Support Industrial Complex: How Defense Contractors Like Lockheed Martin Turned Broken Families Into Big Business

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael Phillips highlights the troubling involvement of defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, now Conduent, in child support enforcement. This privatization has transformed the system into a profit-driven industry that prioritizes metrics over families, leading to automation that harms vulnerable parents. The need for reform, transparency, and human oversight is critical.

The Child Support Industrial Complex: How Defense Contractors Like Lockheed Martin Turned Broken Families Into Big Business Read More
Court Reform / Family Court / Legislation / Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Moves to Reform Family Courts and Courtroom Transparency: The Jamie Flick Bills

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In Pennsylvania, State Representative Jamie Flick has introduced two significant bills aimed at reforming family court practices amid increased public scrutiny. House Bill 378 seeks to simplify child custody decisions and promote shared parenting, while House Bill 1397 would allow audio and video recordings of courtroom proceedings for transparency. Both bills highlight a growing demand for reform.

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Ada Accommodations / Anne Arundel County / Appellate Court / Baltimore City / Constitutional Law / Disability / Judges

A Voice for Justice: How Jeff Reichert Turned to an ADA Advocate to Defend His Rights and Protect His Son

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Jeff Reichert has engaged an independent ADA advocate, Janice Wolk Grenadier, to address alleged discrimination and procedural failures in his custody battle. Her letter calls for judicial accountability, an investigation into jurisdictional misconduct, enforcement of past court orders, and safeguarding the rights of both Grant and Jeff during a flawed legal process.

A Voice for Justice: How Jeff Reichert Turned to an ADA Advocate to Defend His Rights and Protect His Son Read More
Adr / Constitutional Law / Court Reform / Family Court

Judges with a Financial Stake in Your Case? Why That’s a Constitutional Crisis

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The family court system faces significant issues regarding judicial impartiality, as many judges have financial ties that create conflicts of interest. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Caperton v. A.T. Massey, recusal is rarely practiced, leading to a constitutional crisis where litigants, particularly vulnerable ones, are deprived of fair hearings.

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Adr / Family Court / Judges / New York / The Fishman Files / Uncategorized

When Judges Judge Their Own Cases: Why Recusal Rules Fail in Family Court

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In America’s family courts, the principle that no one should be a judge in their own case is often violated. The case of Marc Fishman highlights this issue, as Judge Michelle I. Schauer, with a contentious history with Fishman, asserts control over his custody case despite allegations of bias and ethical concerns, undermining judicial impartiality.

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