Tag: parental rights
-
Colorado Bill Raises New Questions About Parental Rights and Family Court Authority
A new Colorado bill, SB26-018, aims to protect minors’ privacy regarding name changes and gender identity in family law. Supporters view it as a privacy measure, while critics argue it may undermine parental authority in custody decisions by favoring affirming parents. The bill has sparked national debate on family rights and state influence.
-
California’s New Joint Divorce Law Signals a Shift Away From Family Court Warfare
California’s Senate Bill 1427, effective January 1, 2026, introduces a joint petition process for divorces, allowing couples who agree on key issues to file together amicably. This reform aims to reduce costs, expedite resolutions, and lessen emotional harm to children, potentially serving as a model for other states facing similar family court challenges.
-
Idaho’s Child Welfare Debate: Protection, Profit, and the Limits of State Power
A heated debate in Idaho raises questions about the effectiveness of child welfare, with critics claiming it prioritizes family separation over protection. The child welfare system is influenced by federal funding that rewards removals. Recent legal challenges and high-profile cases like Baby Cyrus emphasize tensions between parental rights and state intervention, revealing systemic flaws.
-
California Family Courts Under Scrutiny: Minors’ Counsel, Taxpayer Costs, and a System Resisting Oversight
An investigative report by The Davis Vanguard highlights issues in California family courts regarding the appointment of minors’ counsel and parenting coordinators, raising concerns about costs, conflicts of interest, and oversight. Critics argue for reform to enhance transparency and accountability, emphasizing that unchecked systems undermine the original intent to protect children’s best interests.
-
California Did This First: What Colorado’s New Custody Ruling Reveals About a Longstanding Legal Trend
The Colorado Court of Appeals recently allowed prosecutors to charge a felony per child for violating custody orders, aligning with California’s long-established legal framework. While this approach emphasizes individual harm to each child, it raises concerns over excessive prosecutorial power during family crises, prompting questions about state intervention in vulnerable situations.
-
Colorado Appeals Court: One Custody Order, Multiple Felonies—Per Child
A Colorado Court of Appeals ruling allows prosecutors to charge separate felonies for each child affected by a custody violation, even under one order. This decision increases legal repercussions for parents, offering prosecutors greater leverage in plea negotiations. Concerns arise regarding potential overreach and the impact on families during custody disputes.
-
California Judge Strikes Down Statewide ‘Parental Exclusion’ Policies in Landmark Ruling
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez ruled California’s “parental exclusion” policies unconstitutional, blocking state mandates that required schools to conceal children’s gender identity changes from parents. The decision reinforces parental authority in education, impacting 300,000 teachers and over six million students while emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in children’s well-being.
-
Idaho Lawmakers Move Toward Sweeping Child Custody Reform—With New Penalties for Violations
Idaho lawmakers are set to overhaul child custody laws, addressing years of concerns about inconsistent rulings and parental rights deprivations. The new proposals, driven by the Child Custody and Domestic Relations Task Force, include a presumption of 50/50 joint custody, stronger enforcement measures, and provisions for child safety, aiming for clearer justice in family courts.
-
Oregon Senator Sounds Alarm on Family Courts—Raising Questions Californians Should Not Ignore
Oregon is experiencing increasing scrutiny over family courts, spurred by Senator Suzanne Weber’s concerns about unchecked judicial power and limited transparency. Complaints have emerged from constituents highlighting systemic issues, echoing similar criticisms in California. The lack of accountability and federal funding influences demand nationwide reform, though responses remain sparse.
-
When Family Court Fails: What Las Vegas’ “Judging the Judges” Survey Misses — And Why California Should Worry
A new survey of Clark County Family Court judges reveals alarming error rates, low retention scores, and rising secrecy—issues California’s own courts must not ignore.
California Bay News 