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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Trafficking / Child Welfare / Court Corruption / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government / Institutions / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Series / The Reichert Files / The Shadow Docket of Reichert v. Hornbeck

The 90-Day Order: How an Unprecedented Custody Decision Became Invisible Law

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In February 2022, Judge Alison L. Asti ordered Jeffrey Reichert to have no contact with his son, G.R., for ninety days, disrupting their long-established custody. The unreported appellate opinion overlooked crucial case history, raising concerns about judicial consistency and transparency in contested custody cases involving allegations of parental alienation.

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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Anne Arundel County / Appellate Court / Baltimore City / Baltimore County / Civil Rights / Court Corruption / Court Reform / Domestic Violence / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Protective Orders / The Reichert Files / The Shadow Docket of Reichert v. Hornbeck

The Standard Nobody Published: Maryland’s Amended Protective Order Law, Eight Years Without a Reported Case

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A Maryland custody case once made law. Then, over six years and five more appeals, Reichert v. Hornbeck generated a body of unreported family-law rulings that resolved recurring questions but never entered the state’s published precedent. This article examines what that means for litigants, lawyers, and the public.
Grounded in the article’s opening and its explanation of the five unreported opinions and their impact.

The Standard Nobody Published: Maryland’s Amended Protective Order Law, Eight Years Without a Reported Case Read More
3 - Investigations / The Reichert Files / Uncategorized

When Institutions Pick a Parent

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A federal lawsuit in Maryland challenges how private schools manage parental custody disputes, focusing on Concordia Preparatory School’s alleged improper involvement in a custody conflict. The case raises critical questions about school responsibilities in such matters, particularly surrounding the enforcement of unserved protective orders and how institutions handle conflicting parental claims.

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3 - Investigations / Archive by State / Court Corruption / Maryland Watch / Series / The Corruption Series / Thunder's Wall of Shame / Whistleblower Reports

Judicial Injustice in Suburbia: How Judge Bibi Berry and Montgomery County Family Court Became Every Father’s Worst Nightmare

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

Montgomery County, Maryland faces allegations of bias and misconduct within its family court, primarily involving Judge Bibi Berry. Fathers describe a hostile environment where due process is lacking, and their voices are ignored. Calls for oversight and possible impeachment of Berry are increasing as the judicial culture is seen as damaging to families and children.

Judicial Injustice in Suburbia: How Judge Bibi Berry and Montgomery County Family Court Became Every Father’s Worst Nightmare Read More
Family Court / Government / Judicial / Laws / Legislation

Could a ‘Three Strikes’ Law for Custody Interference Pass in Maryland or Virginia?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Texas Senate’s passage of the “Three Strikes Law” aims to impose stricter penalties for custody interference. While Maryland’s courts favor cooperative parenting over accountability, advocates suggest a modified bill could emerge. Conversely, Virginia’s political landscape may support bipartisan child protection laws, potentially paving the way for similar measures.

Could a ‘Three Strikes’ Law for Custody Interference Pass in Maryland or Virginia? Read More
Accountability / Family Court / Legislation

Could a ‘Three Strikes’ Law for Custody Interference Pass in Maryland or Virginia?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 2794, enhancing penalties for repeated child custody interference, potentially categorizing the third offense as a felony. Discussion arises regarding the feasibility of similar laws in states like Maryland, with its progressive but lenient family court system, and Virginia, where bipartisan support for child protection is growing.

Could a ‘Three Strikes’ Law for Custody Interference Pass in Maryland or Virginia? Read More