tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91734169298294834332024-03-14T00:10:48.602-04:00Divorce in ConnecticutFor Protective Parents. Your source for news and information on the broken Family Court System in Connecticut. I am NOT an attorney. This blog does not constitute legal advice. Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.comBlogger1896125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-50835310753162959412024-03-06T01:37:00.003-05:002024-03-06T01:37:37.885-05:00LAMONT NOMINATES 22 TO POSTS AS SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES!<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px;">"The CT News Junkie" reports as follows:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px;">Gov. Ned Lamont nominated 13 women and nine men as judges of the Superior Court Friday, a move aimed at ensuring diversity and expertise within the state judiciary. Notable nominees include former Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra and Christine Jean-Louis, general counsel to the lieutenant governor.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px; margin: 32px 0px; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word;">“One of the most notable honors of my responsibilities as governor is to fill vacancies in our court system with capable jurists whose qualifications meet the high standards that the people of Connecticut deserve on the bench,” Lamont said. “This group of nominees I am forwarding to the legislature today continues this administration’s effort to ensure that the people who are serving as judges in our state reflect the diversity, experience, and understanding of the people who live here.”</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px; margin: 32px 0px; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word;">For more information, please see the following link below. The juciest tidbit on the list is the inclusion of well known family court Attorney Steve Dembo. I'd be interested to know how people feel about that!</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px; margin: 32px 0px; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2024/03/04/gov-lamont-nominates-22-to-superior-court-bench/#:~:text=Gov.%20Ned%20Lamont%20nominated%2013,counsel%20to%20the%20lieutenant%20governor.">https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2024/03/04/gov-lamont-nominates-22-to-superior-court-bench/#:~:text=Gov.%20Ned%20Lamont%20nominated%2013,counsel%20to%20the%20lieutenant%20governor.</a><br /></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px; margin: 32px 0px; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-54831798338982465292023-12-19T14:40:00.003-05:002023-12-19T14:42:40.750-05:00DIVORCE IN CONNECTICUT SENDS HOLIDAY GREETINGS FOR 2023!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/haFHrfmfHbc" width="409" youtube-src-id="haFHrfmfHbc"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-8819754184920959092023-10-16T15:58:00.011-04:002023-11-08T15:27:11.726-05:00ADSENSE IS NONSENSE<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_7227534176634282812width320" role="presentation" style="border: 1px solid rgb(243, 243, 243); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 600px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckH9owxekzrrIC7qdnAJ6w1D5O6pw4s5iVfsTnfXOod-wHNrxLO1n1HtYCep5XoqcwoBazRXgL3M9oqaJvQzRF4Xuu1f_xKftiKZuIw06AwKH5HMyYTgmowBYOxmH8iqX7REvBo_WwNapAstCxQo8fYhmmA6YzN8vFUIkOOuqspaMSa7WvN4RId3yaHNL/s303/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="303" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckH9owxekzrrIC7qdnAJ6w1D5O6pw4s5iVfsTnfXOod-wHNrxLO1n1HtYCep5XoqcwoBazRXgL3M9oqaJvQzRF4Xuu1f_xKftiKZuIw06AwKH5HMyYTgmowBYOxmH8iqX7REvBo_WwNapAstCxQo8fYhmmA6YzN8vFUIkOOuqspaMSa7WvN4RId3yaHNL/w281-h166/download.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />In 2019, I received notice that the adsense account for this "Divorce in Connecticut" blog was terminated. The reason they provided at the time was that there was insufficient original content. Now losing adsense isn't really that much of a big deal. I can't say I made that much money off of it. It really is the principle of the matter. The fact is that at least 90% of the material on this blog is original material which has been thoroughly and carefully researched. I think that you as my readers would vouch for me in this matter. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">Where I have not had original material, I had links to newspaper articles relevant to the topic of divorce, or Youtube videos centrally relevant to current events. For instance, I might have videos of testimony before the Judiciary Committee of the CGA. Is Adsense telling me you simply can't have any content at all that isn't original on a blog? How can you conduct a social justice blog with that kind of restriction? To complicate matters, the notice Adsense provides is in a "no-reply" format, and they don't give you any information on how to appeal their decision! Recently, I sent a request to reinstate Adsense on my account, and I received the following reply:</span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br />Your application status</b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 16px;">Thank you for your interest in AdSense. After reviewing your application, our specialists have found that it does not meet our program criteria. Therefore, we are unable to accept you into our program.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px;" valign="top">Our AdSense <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://notifications.google.com/g/p/ANiao5r9swAA0n_n9VDUOMRBQRt-zF5NNDb2VNVewmj0ua-QHBgH2SuoHSB4cmiI7byYLa3X5GzQ33w20a0ymtTmaqMuqtbP6prk5uiZbX2lgpZMcOaCMxr6PO0Nl3oyGi4f0nSKBSvKXwLFTg3ju_KiYjtoBxv7H0ZLcAxFBTBzOaIa9ki3E9YBVYyVY_5mWEXiWiUhU0sWRjQGHpTGW2nOUS41LyCdadRleoASJoAOkApgNDhDRX7MA3KmoRC3PQZ8XJs&source=gmail&ust=1697569903563000&usg=AOvVaw2hy9GLaLH2pDLyela5NImd" href="https://notifications.google.com/g/p/ANiao5r9swAA0n_n9VDUOMRBQRt-zF5NNDb2VNVewmj0ua-QHBgH2SuoHSB4cmiI7byYLa3X5GzQ33w20a0ymtTmaqMuqtbP6prk5uiZbX2lgpZMcOaCMxr6PO0Nl3oyGi4f0nSKBSvKXwLFTg3ju_KiYjtoBxv7H0ZLcAxFBTBzOaIa9ki3E9YBVYyVY_5mWEXiWiUhU0sWRjQGHpTGW2nOUS41LyCdadRleoASJoAOkApgNDhDRX7MA3KmoRC3PQZ8XJs" style="color: #1a73e8; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">program policies</a> are designed to ensure the effectiveness of Google ads for our publishers as well as for our advertisers. We review all publishers and we reserve the right to decline any application. If you are able to make changes to meet our program criteria, you may reapply for AdSense in the future.</td></tr><tr><td align="" dir="" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px;" valign="top">Please note that we may not be able to respond to inquiries regarding the specific reasons for our decision. Thank you for your understanding.</td></tr><tr><td style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: left;" valign="top"><span face="Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 16px;">Thanks,</span><br /><b style="color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Google AdSense Team<br /></b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Again, this is as puzzling as the previous notice I received cancelling adsense. What do they mean when they say, "Our specialists have found that it does not meet our program criteria?" To find out, I looked up the definition and found that again the issue of original content is at play:</span></div></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><blockquote style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">"To be eligible for Google AdSense, a website must have a significant amount of original and high-quality content. Websites that lack content, have content copied from other sources, or contain poorly written content are likely to be rejected by Google AdSense." </span></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: medium;">As I've said, and as you know, the vast majority of material on my website is original material. If the folks who review my website are responsible and honest, they will acknowledge that. I spent some time trying to find a way to contact the people who make these decisions. I looked for an appeal form which I could use to appeal the decision, and it was nowhere to be found. It is all very puzzling and difficult to figure out. Talking about a nameless, faceless bureaucracy, Adsense has it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: medium;">I also wondered, and perhaps its paranoid, but could it be a disgruntled attorney wrote to complain about the content of this blog, and that's why it was cancelled? It does make me curious as to whether political content impacts the decision adsense makes to remove or retain a blog, or to determine what is "poorly written content."</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-88688569560288670142021-06-05T00:06:00.000-04:002021-06-05T00:06:04.370-04:00JENNIFERS' LAW HAS PASSED!<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> The CT House of Representatives has passed Jennifers' Law. See the article below:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.wtnh.com/domesticviolence-awareness/ct-lawmakers-to-consider-jennifers-law-in-state-house-friday/?fbclid=IwAR0L3hSLKiiHCu3bZMDQhT8aTPPKMqjjskl4sFDJw_7HzUSMipdzFvgzRoE"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">CT lawmakers to consider Jennifers' Law in State House Friday (wtnh.com)</span></a></p>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-84724724484409698792021-03-23T14:32:00.006-04:002021-03-23T15:59:01.676-04:00PUBLIC HEARING, MORE NEWS ON JENNIFERS' LAW<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #fafafa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" id="templatePreheader" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover; border-bottom: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 600px !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="preheaderContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #656565; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/jennifer42movie/we-are-made-in-ny-8388362?e=3f79fc5d9f" style="color: #656565; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">View this email in your browser</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://www.jennifer42movie.com/" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank" title=""><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://mcusercontent.com/1da485dd889539e5a6116bd89/images/47b33fb4-01c8-4588-99d2-976431733418.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 2991px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="center" id="templateHeader" style="background: none center center / cover no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 600px !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="headerContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><h1 class="null" style="font-size: 26px; line-height: 32.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jennifers' Law</span></span></span></h1><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />We have a very BIG development to report from Jennifer's home state of Connecticut. A new law in Jennifer Magnano's name, (and that of Jennifer Dulos, who was murdered by her estranged husband in 2019) has been introduced by state senator Alex Kasser, (D-Greenwich) in the Connecticut General Assembly.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://mcusercontent.com/1da485dd889539e5a6116bd89/images/38fa6363-b3aa-46fb-ab2b-6b368f6feb08.png" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 1030px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="231.23999999999998" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top">Jennifers' Law aims to expand the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, the full range of tactics that abusers use to entrap and control their victims, beyond just physical abuse. Coercive control is a patterned behavior that includes nonphysical abuse such as emotional, verbal, financial and legal abuse as well as stalking, harassment, gaslighting, humiliation, cruelty and intimidation. Elements that are always present in domestic abuse. To date, California, Hawaii, Scotland, England and Wales have passed Coercive Control Laws. Australia, Colorado, Maryland and New York have introduced legislation this 2021 session. Jennifer's Law is supported by <a href="https://momsdemandaction.org/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Mom's Demand</a> and <a href="https://www.connecticutprotectivemoms.org/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Connecticut Protective Moms</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://variety.com/2020/film/news/breaking-through-the-lens-unveils-shortlist-for-pitching-platform-at-cannes-1203514577/" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank" title=""><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://mcusercontent.com/1da485dd889539e5a6116bd89/images/f48f2726-3943-42ed-83d5-ff33d3ce99cd.jpg" style="border-radius: 0%; border: 0px; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 800px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top">The public hearing on <a href="https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2021&bill_num=1060" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Jennifers' Law</a> will take place this week, Wednesday, March 24, starting at 10am. You can watch it live on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaZ1ujQWzOqbtQaQp7ZBxbA/live" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">YouTube Live</a>, or recorded on <a href="https://ct-n.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">CT-N</a>. Jennifers' Law is a monumental step towards making domestic violence law reflect the actual reality of what women and children experience at the hands of abusers, and the hope is that this new law will lead to earlier intervention - which we know saves lives. I will testify, as will our EP and world leading expert <a href="https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Laura Richards</a> , attorney <a href="https://www.attymichellescruz.com/about-me" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Michelle Cruz</a> who did the original investigation into Jennifer's murder, and also Jennifer's children Jessica and David.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://mcusercontent.com/1da485dd889539e5a6116bd89/images/0258abab-235b-4fcb-af73-d801c0733921.png" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 4104px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top">Our film <em>Jennifer, 42</em> delves deep into this abuser behavior, as well as the catastrophic results when the courts fail to recognize the danger the victims are in. Laura Richards estimates that about 80% of domestic violence homicides happen in the first six months after leaving. Looking at Scott Magnano's coercively controlling behavior pre-separation, and his stalking behavior post-separation, and the lengths he would go to get Jennifer back within his control, is a powerful example of the close correlation between coercive control and homicide. <br /><br />Tune in on Wednesday, and if you want to support reform of domestic violence laws in the US, please sign this petition and learn more about this issue and our campaigns: <a href="https://www.change.org/p/domestic-violence-law-reform-coercive-control-usa" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">https://www.change.org/p/domestic-violence-law-reform-coercive-control-usa</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="center" id="templateBody" style="background: none center center / cover no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 600px !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="bodyContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 9px 18px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="background-color: #404040; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 18px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 21px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, verdana, sans-serif;">ABOUT THE FILM</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 21px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><em>Jennifer, 42</em> is an animated true crime documentary about an American family's epic battle to escape domestic violence. Director <a href="http://www.ellekamihira.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Elle Kamihira</a>, Producer <a href="https://www.indiecityfilms.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Katie Hyde</a>, Animation Director <a href="https://www.yuliaruditskaya.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Yulia Ruditskaya</a> and Executive Producer<a href="https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"> Laura Richards</a>.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="center" id="templateFooter" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover; border-bottom: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-top: 9px; 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text-size-adjust: 100%;" width=""><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mcnFollowIconContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="middle" width="24"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer42Doc/" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><img alt="Facebook" class="" height="24" src="https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-facebook-48.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" width="24" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; display: inline; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnFollowContentItemContainer" style="padding-bottom: 9px; padding-right: 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnFollowContentItem" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 5px 10px 5px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="middle"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%;" width=""><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mcnFollowIconContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="middle" width="24"><a href="https://twitter.com/J42doc" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" class="" height="24" src="https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-twitter-48.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" width="24" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; display: inline; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnFollowContentItemContainer" style="padding-bottom: 9px; padding-right: 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnFollowContentItem" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 5px 10px 5px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="middle"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%;" width=""><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mcnFollowIconContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="middle" width="24"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennifer42doc/" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" class="" height="24" src="https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-instagram-48.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" width="24" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; display: inline; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnFollowContentItemContainer" style="padding-bottom: 9px; padding-right: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnFollowContentItem" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding: 5px 10px 5px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="middle"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-37781104340707194872020-06-15T00:25:00.004-04:002020-06-15T01:14:41.414-04:00IS THIS BLOG ACTIVE?<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xycq905SSz4/XucDVoAkhRI/AAAAAAAADJw/PYNiSg_jtYAjeQswtCkvSIx1dI3a3za8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Arbeit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xycq905SSz4/XucDVoAkhRI/AAAAAAAADJw/PYNiSg_jtYAjeQswtCkvSIx1dI3a3za8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Arbeit.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was recently asked whether this blog is active. I certainly monitor the comments on the blog and pay attention if something new comes up. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Otherwise, everything that I see going on is just repeat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have written as much as I possibly can about what is going on in family court. All of the situations that I have described are continuing to happen. This is an ongoing situation. There has been little reform, and little indication that the legal profession or anyone else, the media, your average citizen, give a shit about what is happening to people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I could continue to cover this issue, but again, as I said, it would all be repeat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are 1800 blogs in total on this website with extensive observations on what to expect in family court, how to handle your own family court situation, and overviews in detail of specific cases. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think I've pretty much covered it all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If anything new appeared, certainly I'd report on it. But at this point, it's all the corruption again and again with the same family court operators doing it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure what more I can say here. Nothing much has changed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Prepare to have your life destroyed if you enter family court, particularly if you are a mother.</span></span></div>
Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-5227068188161826882020-05-10T11:42:00.001-04:002020-05-10T11:43:07.394-04:00HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VsNbhwSXDB8" width="420"></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-1848111021838797362020-02-06T20:26:00.000-05:002020-02-06T20:31:05.392-05:00SPEAK UP ABOUT THESE JUDGES UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR REAPPOINTMENT!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmbckyPpqVY/Xjy9ymG_IlI/AAAAAAAADIE/Om5Qn4HRKcwCmsbFmm9iTiMjgYuVrC_WQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Supreme%2BCourt%2BHouse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="258" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmbckyPpqVY/Xjy9ymG_IlI/AAAAAAAADIE/Om5Qn4HRKcwCmsbFmm9iTiMjgYuVrC_WQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Supreme%2BCourt%2BHouse.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judiciary Committee </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '"trebuchet ms"', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Monday, February 10, 2020 </div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
10:30 AM in Room 2E of the LOB </div>
</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">I. NOMINATIONS FOR REVIEW </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">To be a Judge of the Superior Court: </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">1. The Honorable John F. Blawie of Greenwich </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">2. The Honorable Patrick L. Carroll, III of Seymour </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">3. The Honorable Anna M. Ficeto of Wolcott </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">4. The Honorable Donna Nelson Heller of Riverside </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">5. The Honorable Frank A. Iannotti of North Haven </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">6. The Honorable Sybil V. Richards of Orange </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">7. The Honorable Dan Shaban of Middlebury </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">8. The Honorable Kenneth L. Shluger of Waterford </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">9. The Honorable Hillary B. Strackbein of Guilford </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">10. The Honorable Mark H. Taylor of West Hartford </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">11. The Honorable Theodore R. Tyma of Trumbull </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">12. The Honorable Elpedio N. Vitale of Madison </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">To be a Workers' Compensation Commissioner: </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">1. Soline Oslena of Oakdale </span></span></div>
Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-52610265218291647792020-01-30T14:03:00.000-05:002020-01-30T14:20:53.064-05:00SUPPORT THE CHILD SAFETY FIRST ACT!<blockquote class="yiv3398676381" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" type="cite">
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<span class="yiv5773249057">TODAY</span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057">EMAIL AND CALL THE CONNECTICUT JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS </span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057">TO SUPPORT </span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057">THE CHILD SAFETY FIRST BILL</span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057">58,000 Children a Year are Awarded Into Custody with An Abusive Parent</span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057">Are you a mom or know a mom with children in the middle of a divorce or separation in family court who is fighting for custody of their children to keep them safe and protect them from abuse?</span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057" style="color: #e6000e;">Let our Connecticut Judiciary Committee members know</span><span class="yiv5773249057"> (EMAILS AND PHONE NUMBERS below) you want them to support the introduction of Senator Alex Bergstein’s (Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan) <b class="yiv5773249057">Child Safety First</b> bill this legislative session. <b class="yiv5773249057">Please use "Support the Child Safety First Bill" in your Subject Line.</b></span></div>
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<b class="yiv5773249057"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-size: 17px;">Dear Representative …………….,</span></b></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057"><b class="yiv5773249057"></b></span><br class="yiv5773249057" /></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057"><b class="yiv5773249057">Why Do We Need the Child Safety First Bill in Connecticut?</b></span></div>
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DV and abuse exists across our state; DV and abuse pose an unacceptable and disproportionate threat to the health, safety and wellbeing of women and children; DV and abuse has been under-reported and under-recognized in our family court system; “high conflict” divorce cases often involve DV or abuse; the State of Connecticut has a duty to ensure the safety of all its citizens, especially children; <a class="yiv5773249057" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/72/all-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">House Congressional Resolution 72 </a> encourages states to prioritize DV and abuse as the first factor considered in determining the “best interests of the child” in custody cases.</div>
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<li class="yiv5773249057" style="color: #e6000e; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057">It is often legitimate for the partner of an abusive parent to try to protect the children from exposure to abuse, or to try to secure his or her own safety from the abusive partner by limiting that partner's contact with the children. Court appointed lawyers and psychologists do not have adequate DV training and are not able to distinguish appropriately protective behavior. </span></li>
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<li class="yiv5773249057" style="color: #e6000e; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057">The abuser blames the victim and claims parental alienation, that she was turning the children against him by alienating the children with false claims he was abusing them. The court does not understand and/or acknowledge that the children are resisting being with their emotionally abusive parent who scares them. </span></li>
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<li class="yiv5773249057" style="color: #e6000e; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057">According to the American Psychological Association, abusive fathers file for sole custody more often than fathers who have no history of DV. Since 99 percent of DV victims also face some form of financial abuse, abusers tend to have more money and thus more access to legal resources than the women fleeing their abuse. That gives them an advantage in the courts that makes them just as likely, or even more likely, to gain custody.</span></li>
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<b class="yiv5773249057">Call </b><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Senate Dems: (860) 240-8600, Senate Republicans (860) 240-8800, House Democrats (860) 240-8500, and House Republicans (860) 240-8700. </span><b class="yiv5773249057"> OR EMAIL:</b></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057"></span><b class="yiv5773249057">Please use "Support the Child Safety First Bill" in your Subject Line.</b></div>
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<b class="yiv5773249057">Here are the addresses to cut and paste:</b><div class="yiv5773249057" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-size: 18px;"><a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:gary.winfield@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:gary.winfield@cga.ct.gov">gary.winfield@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:alexbergstein@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:alexbergstein@gmail.com">alexbergstein@gmail.com</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Steven.Stafstrom@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Steven.Stafstrom@cga.ct.gov">Steven.Stafstrom@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:John.A.Kissel@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:John.A.Kissel@cga.ct.gov">John.A.Kissel@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov">Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Matt.Blumenthal@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Matt.Blumenthal@cga.ct.gov">Matt.Blumenthal@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Gennaro.Bizzarro@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Gennaro.Bizzarro@cga.ct.gov">Gennaro.Bizzarro@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:dennis.bradley@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:dennis.bradley@cga.ct.gov">dennis.bradley@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:christie.carpino@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:christie.carpino@housegop.ct.gov">christie.carpino@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:senator@blumenthal.senate.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:senator@blumenthal.senate.gov">senator@blumenthal.senate.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Dan.Champagne@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Dan.Champagne@cga.ct.gov">Dan.Champagne@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:julio.concepcion@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:julio.concepcion@cga.ct.gov">julio.concepcion@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Christine.Conley@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Christine.Conley@cga.ct.gov">Christine.Conley@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Stephanie.Cummings@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Stephanie.Cummings@housegop.ct.gov">Stephanie.Cummings@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Jeff.Currey@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Jeff.Currey@cga.ct.gov">Jeff.Currey@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Patricia.Dillon@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Patricia.Dillon@cga.ct.gov">Patricia.Dillon@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Michael.DiMassa@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Michael.DiMassa@cga.ct.gov">Michael.DiMassa@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Doug.Dubitsky@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Doug.Dubitsky@housegop.ct.gov">Doug.Dubitsky@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Craig.Fishbein@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Craig.Fishbein@housegop.ct.gov">Craig.Fishbein@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:mae.flexer@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:mae.flexer@cga.ct.gov">mae.flexer@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Dan.Fox@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Dan.Fox@cga.ct.gov">Dan.Fox@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov">Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Stephen.Harding@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Stephen.Harding@housegop.ct.gov">Stephen.Harding@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:senator_@murphy.senate.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:senator_@murphy.senate.gov">senator_@murphy.senate.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:will.haskell@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:will.haskell@cga.ct.gov">will.haskell@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Leslee.Hill@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Leslee.Hill@housegop.ct.gov">Leslee.Hill@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Maria.Horn@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Maria.Horn@cga.ct.gov">Maria.Horn@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:David.Labriola@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:David.Labriola@housegop.ct.gov">David.Labriola@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Matthew.Lesser@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Matthew.Lesser@cga.ct.gov">Matthew.Lesser@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Geoff.Luxenberg@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Geoff.Luxenberg@cga.ct.gov">Geoff.Luxenberg@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:douglas.mccrory@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:douglas.mccrory@cga.ct.gov">douglas.mccrory@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov">Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Patricia.Miller@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Patricia.Miller@cga.ct.gov">Patricia.Miller@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov">Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Arthur.ONeill@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Arthur.ONeill@housegop.ct.gov">Arthur.ONeill@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov">Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:robyn.porter@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:robyn.porter@cga.ct.gov">robyn.porter@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Emmett.Riley@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Emmett.Riley@cga.ct.gov">Emmett.Riley@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:rob.sampson@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:rob.sampson@cga.ct.gov">rob.sampson@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:richard.smith@housegop.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:richard.smith@housegop.ct.gov">richard.smith@housegop.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:Toni.Walker@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Toni.Walker@cga.ct.gov">Toni.Walker@cga.ct.gov</a>, <a class="yiv5773249057" href="mailto:phil.young@cga.ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:phil.young@cga.ct.gov"><span class="yiv5773249057">phil.young@cga.ct.gov</span></a></span><br class="yiv5773249057" style="font-size: 18px;" /><div class="yiv5773249057" style="font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<span class="yiv5773249057"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="color: #ff2600;">THE CHILD SAFETY FIRST BILL</span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="color: #ff2600;">AUTHORED BY SENATOR ALEX BERGSTEIN</span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv5773249057"></span><br class="yiv5773249057" /></div>
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<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">The statutory definition of “domestic violence and abuse” is revised to include a history or pattern of coercive, controlling behavior including, but not limited to, physical violence, sexual assault, financial abuse, litigation abuse and psychological abuse including, but not limited to, isolation, stalking, harassment, intimidation and threats regarding the safety of a person or the safety of or access to that person’s <br class="yiv5773249057" />children. “Domestic violence and abuse” does not include the justified use of force or flight to protect oneself or others in response to abuse or violence. </span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">In legal proceedings regarding child custody, domestic violence and abuse will be the first factor assessed by the court, before all other factors, in determining the “best interests of the child.” </span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">In hearings regarding domestic violence or abuse, a court may only consider valid scientific evidence or testimony from qualified professionals with experience working with victims of domestic violence and abuse that meet admissibility standards. </span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">A presumption against custody will be made for any parent with a history or demonstrated pattern of domestic violence or abuse or any parent who has sexually abused a child. </span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">If a parent is found to have committed domestic violence or child abuse, that parent shall pay the attorney’s fees and all other court-related expenses of the other parent. </span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">The legal standard for protective orders shall recognize forms of domestic violence and abuse that endanger the safety or restrict the agency of a person or children. <i class="yiv5773249057">(Refer to the new statutory definition in #1.) </i></span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">The State shall provide legal assistance for all victims of domestic violence and abuse to help them complete protective order affidavits and other legal forms. <i class="yiv5773249057">(Legal assistance increased the likelihood of obtaining a protective order by more than 50%.) </i></span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Courts shall restrict frivolous or excessive motions in family court. When divorce cases approach 100 motions, additional motions shall be subject to review and approval before submission. “High conflict” cases should be diverted to a specialized court that recognizes litigation abuse and obstruction and holds parties in contempt for not disclosing financial or other critical information or following court orders. <i class="yiv5773249057">(A small number of “high conflict” cases consume a disproportionate amount of judicial resources. This specialized court would prevent litigation abuse and resolve cases faster.) </i></span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Reopen the Office of Victim Advocate and fund it adequately to support all victims across the state through the legal process. </span></li>
<li class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv5773249057" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Review and approve all judicial education programs to ensure that abuse is recognized and not rewarded. Allow only experts with a demonstrated history of working with Domestic violence and abuse victims to be the educators on this subject. </span></li>
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Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-41537777073105940642019-12-23T06:07:00.002-05:002019-12-23T06:07:38.422-05:00OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH PARENTS DENIED ACCESS TO THE THEIR CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS!<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LRP8d7hhpoQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-32967483577616353522019-11-30T13:23:00.001-05:002019-11-30T13:23:20.344-05:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING...NOT.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE1zkT9fjuA/XeKzY5TsBDI/AAAAAAAADHM/S5_-oTkynPkvMWOu4hl9jKMTvAzAncyXACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="942" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE1zkT9fjuA/XeKzY5TsBDI/AAAAAAAADHM/S5_-oTkynPkvMWOu4hl9jKMTvAzAncyXACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Thanksgiving%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-59364671665183084422019-11-11T11:23:00.000-05:002019-11-11T11:23:06.475-05:00SALUTING VETERANS ON VETERANS DAY! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GsnCHSoFOos" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-59723590606106936092019-11-07T17:17:00.002-05:002019-11-07T19:03:07.130-05:00FAMILY COURT TRAGIC!<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11px;">By Elizabeth A. Richter</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">I looked for committed activists in vain, for</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">There was brokenness as far as I could see</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">All I found was thick fog and the dreary rain</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Bombs falling and shooters behind each tree</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">I figured this was my bad luck again</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Plus folks want it all, but give-back is paltry</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Still, I said I’d fight no matter what. At least</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">I could give some a bit of what they sought</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">II</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">What can I do but list the typical wrongs</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">That family court has perp’d on me and you</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">We presented them to the Committee & Sen. Tong</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">All of whom talked like they had no clue</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Actors all, they certainly knew all along</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Of lawyers lying, evidence stolen and also</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Rigged trials, bribed experts and corruption so deep</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Parents are bankrupt because the cost is steep.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Next legal folks put their counter-truth on display</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">They cried and said parents put guns to their heads</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Lawyers pulled out their violins and began to play</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Judges spoke rivers about how carefully they listened</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">GALs fake tears over kids kept the truth at bay, while</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Journalists twisted by threats repeated what they said</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">These fakes are so good and have such a good line</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Family court victims seem out of their minds</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">We stand outside the Courts and hold demonstrations</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Others speak to neighbors and hope they’ll understand</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">My friends live in fear of retaliation. So there’s no change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">When you go to Court with child abuse, you’ll be sure to find </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">There’s no place to go for any protection</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Because you’ll be accused of parental alienation</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Meanwhile mothers end up homeless and alone</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Children are bribed and their hearts turn to stone</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">III</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">This all arose out of a vision for father’s rights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">A bunch of right wingers saw Moms as welfare queens</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">They thought privileges for men would turn the tide</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">But now there are consequences they hadn’t seen</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Men are now the Moms and they think they’re great</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Moms have been driven away and are called unclean</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">I sit here and think what can I personally do</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">Still, change depends upon you and you and you.</span><br />
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Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-65494538840636227372019-07-12T19:56:00.001-04:002019-07-13T13:21:11.209-04:00PROF. JOAN MEIER TALKS ABOUT THE MISUSE OF PARENTAL ALIENATION THEORY TO ATTACK DV VICTIMS IN CUSTODY MATTERS!<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5o7Lr0-klLM/XSkiZXlH2qI/AAAAAAAADB8/1bIE-pLk3zcnB-ODc3cCPp6MwSylEuakgCLcBGAs/s1600/DV%2BLeap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="380" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5o7Lr0-klLM/XSkiZXlH2qI/AAAAAAAADB8/1bIE-pLk3zcnB-ODc3cCPp6MwSylEuakgCLcBGAs/s320/DV%2BLeap.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Testimony Regarding How Child Abuse Allegations are Ignored in Family Court and Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is used as a Rationale to Award Custody of Children to an Abusive Parent</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Joan Meier, JD</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Professor of Law, George Washington University</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Founder, DV LEAP</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">February 4, 2019</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">My name is Joan Meier, a law Professor at George Washington University and Founder of DV LEAP, an advocacy group for expert appellate litigation to reverse unjust trial court rulings and to protect the legal rights of women and children victimized by family violence. We would like to take this opportunity to testify and express our concern for current legislation being introduced to promote the use of Parental Alienation Syndrome as a tool to abuse domestic violence (DV) victims in family court.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>The Problem</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">“Protecting our children is one of the most important things that we can do for society. Unfortunately, some courtsare overlooking potential signs of abuse and are relying on scientifically unsound factors to make decisions that impact a child’s life.” Congressman Ted Poe</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Despite numerous legislative and policy reforms designed to protect DV victims, many survivors and their children are denied legal protections in family court. Expert commentators assert that family courts are awarding unfettered access or custody to abusive fathers, and increasingly cutting children completely off from their protective mothers. This has been observed especially where mothers allege child sexual abuse. Studies show that an abuser will invoke the “alienation” defense, accusing the mother of trying to turn the children against him, rather than the court acknowledging that his abusive behavior has driven the children away. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Studies also have identified a trend toward favoring fathers, in contrast to widespread assumptions that mothers are favored in custody litigation.</span><span style="font-kerning: none; vertical-align: 5.0px;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The findings reveal a pattern of family court failures to consider evidence of intimate partner violence, disrespectful treatment of battered women, gender biased treatment of mothers, and granting of physical custody to perpetrators of intimate partner violence.</span><span style="font-kerning: none; vertical-align: 5.0px;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">One study found that court preferences for joint custody and the “friendly parent” principle outweighed judicial consideration of abuse claims.</span><span style="font-kerning: none; vertical-align: 5.0px;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">More in-depth empirical research has examined the lack of expertise in domestic violence and child abuse—particularly child sexual abuse—among forensic custody evaluators, who are relied on heavily by the courts.</span><span style="font-kerning: none; vertical-align: 5.0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">IN CUSTODY CASES WHERE MOTHERS AND CHILDREN REPORT THE FATHER’S SEXUAL ABUSE OF THE CHILD, <b>THE COURT SIDES WITH THE FATHER 81% OF THE TIME.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">EVEN WHEN FAMILY COURTS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A FATHER HAS BEEN VIOLENT TO THE MOTHER OR CHILD, <b>THE COURT SIDES WITH THE FATHER 38% OF THE TIME.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A primary mechanism giving evaluators and courts a quasi- scientific rationale for rejecting or ignoring abuse allegations is the theory of “parental alienation (PA),” originally called “parental alienation syndrome (PAS),” and also called “child alienation,” or simply “alienation.” PAS is a construct invented and promoted by Richard Gardner to describe a “syndrome” whereby vengeful mothers employed child abuse allegations in litigation as a powerful weapon to punish ex-husbands and ensure custody to themselves. Gardner claimed that child sexual abuse allegations were rampant in custody litigation, and that the vast majority of such claims are false, designed by the mother to “alienate” the child from the father and drive him out of the child’s life. Gardner also characterized PAS as profoundly destructive to children’s mental health and as risking their relationships with their (purportedly falsely accused) fathers for life. Recommended remedies to PAS were often draconian, including a complete cutoff from the mother in order to “deprogram” the child. PAS quickly became widely incorporated into custody litigation when any abuse—not just child sexual abuse—was alleged. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>The Solution</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">On September 25, 2018, The U.S. House of Representatives passed H Con Res 72, a concurrent resolution urging state courts to determine family violence claims and risks to children before considering other ‘best interest’ factors. <b>The resolution, backed by dozens of organizations advocating for protection of women and children*, encourages states to ensure courts rely only on admissible evidence and qualified experts, and adopt qualification standards for third-party appointees. It also affirms that Congress is prepared to use its oversight authority to protect at-risk children. The resolution also asks for strengthened evidence admissibility standards to help ensure only scientific facts or qualified expert testimony are used to prove or disprove child abuse allegations.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>It urges Congress to:</b></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>allow only qualified scientific evidence and certified expert testimony to be introduced in cases involving child abuse claims; and</b></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">DV LEAP also partnered with the Dept. of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women on a 2-year cooperative agreement to improve the family court system’s ability to protect children in custody cases involving domestic violence or child abuse. The agreement has concluded but great accomplishments and resources were achieved. In partnership with the Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence, we provided education on critical issues that often determine case outcomes, such as the misuse of flawed parental alienation theories and failure to consider evidence of abuse. One particularly powerful aspect of the Project’s work was the development of a unique database of cases that have “Turned Around.” These are cases in which the initial custody order placed a child (or children) in dangerous contact with an abusive parent and a subsequent order protected the child. Analysis of these cases provided valuable understanding of how and why custody evaluations so frequently fail to identify or predict actual risk to children who are victims of family violence.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>As as result of this Cooperative Agreement, DV LEAP and the Leadership Council produced a number of written tools and resource materials to assist professionals working in the family court system. Links to each of the documents are provided below.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>I. Resources on the misuse of Parental Alienation Syndrome/Parental Alienation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">1. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v6tmiPCiWdIv6PWzvyk_woz6Jal1MPcL/view">Critical Bibliography of articles on Parental Alienation Syndrome and Parental Alienation</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wO4ZlfejV9ANwBSidsD0Bi82y2mpzK6Q/view">Summary of Case Law Addressing Parental Alienation Syndrome and Parental Alienation</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HsGHDSCFQM9sxUaVvwCm3rxIp2546D-o/view">Fact Sheet on PAS Admissibility</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EQeiqbHHPpVLD5J93dLg67yQLeJdWJsH/view">Scientific and Professional Rejections of Parental Alienation Syndrome</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>II. Resources for attorneys and advocates representing protective parents</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">1. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dcAiBNt9CrPwcuM88e-VOPnkF_RMhjQu/view">Guidelines on Best Practices for Litigating Custody and Abuse Cases in Order to Preserve Appeals to State Court and the Supreme Court</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ssp4KP8CL9eGbaaSSlY9z_KU4Q8IoI7R/view">Preparing DV Survivors for a Custody Evaluation</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sBf-RvxIdOu6BVGUMvEFGoyJ2_kuhwKN/view?usp=drive_open">Making the Record for Appeal</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12DiWByXa5KuU1aPO2KW-KfmounlL7dHZ/view">Pro Se Guidelines on How to Make the Record for Appeal (any jurisdiction)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">5. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqK_bX-CdsRiwHtwOIx6E78Cc7_ehXoh/view">Pro Se Guidelines on How to Make the Record for Appeal (WV annotations)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">6. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JfvbStqAFVzbsHc8llTZ7NHEclIZ2ixO/view">Tip Sheet for Litigants and Their Advocates for Custody Evaluations</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>III. Research Summaries</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">1. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sfrsfZIyznzdjZ0BpvJxObVqBB_F2-xj/view">Research Indicating That the Majority of “High Conflict” Contested Custody Cases Have a History of Domestic Violence</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hZvruA9pzaH1lEgX0JqRmEdW50ucwALQ/view">Rates at Which Accused and Adjudicated Batterers Receive Sole or Joint Custody</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EQeiqbHHPpVLD5J93dLg67yQLeJdWJsH/view">Scientific and Professional Rejections of Parental Alienation Syndrome</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RNzjuBVhJgjBQLy6rxFppG0RJUVuJWWV/view">False Allegations of Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>IV. Other Resource Materials</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Critiques and Case Reports of GALs’ Failures to Protect Children in Custody and Abuse Cases</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Data on False Allegations in Custody Context. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ehdOb-hS0v0Ot_rIoK_wc6QYySRtLPV6/view">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ehdOb-hS0v0Ot_rIoK_wc6QYySRtLPV6/view</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">We respectfully suggest that any family court legislation involving custody, PAS, allegations of child abuse and DV be thoroughly vetted by experts in the field of Domestic Violence.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Thank you for the opportunity to submit this written testimony. I can be reached with any questions at <a href="mailto:jmeier@law.gwu.edu"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">jmeier@law.gwu.edu</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">*The list of organizations that have been advocating for passage of H. Con. Res 72 includes</span> <a href="http://www.acesforkids.org/">Advocates for Child Empowerment & Safety (ACES)</a>; <a href="http://www.protectiveparents.com/">California Protective Parents Association (CPPA)</a>; <a href="http://www.centerforjudicialexcellence.org/">Center for Judicial Excellence (CJE)</a>; <a href="https://covinaca.gov/">City of Covina</a>; <a href="http://www.dvleap.org/">Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project (DV LEAP)</a>; <a href="http://www.actionohio.org/">ACTION OHIO Coalition For Battered Women</a>; <a href="http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/71/city-council">Azusa City Council</a>; <a href="http://www.batteredmotherscustodyconference.org/">Battered Mothers’ Custody Conference</a>; <a href="http://www.cpedv.org/">California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV)</a>; <a href="http://www.centerchildprotection.org/">Center for Child Protection and Family Support</a>; <a href="http://www.childabuseforensics.org/">Child Abuse Forensic Institute (CAFI)</a>; <a href="http://childabusesolutions.com/">Child Abuse Solutions, Inc.</a>; <a href="http://child-justice.org/">Child Justice</a>; <a href="http://www.drjudithreisman.com/contact.html">Child Protection Institute (CPI) at Liberty University</a>; <a href="http://childusa.org/">Child USA</a>; Children’s Civil Rights Union (CCRU); <a href="http://childrensjustice.fund/">Children’s Justice Fund</a>; <a href="https://www.cadv-24.org/">Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Lynchburg VA</a>; <a href="http://www.courageouskids.net/">Courageous Kids Network (CKN)</a>; <a href="https://www.d2l.org/">Darkness to Light</a>; <a href="http://distinctioninfamilycourts.org/">Distinction in Family Courts (DFC)</a>; <a href="http://factscourtwatch.org/">Families Against Court Travesties</a>; <a href="http://www.fvaplaw.org/">Family Violence Appellate Project (FVAP)</a>; <a href="https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/">Futures Without Violence (FUTURES)</a>; <a href="http://www.issb.us/">Incest Survivors Speakers Bureau (ISSB)</a>; <a href="http://www.joanofarclawyers.org/">Joan of Arc Lawyers Foundation, Inc.</a>; <a href="http://justiceforchildren.org/">Justice for Children</a>; <a href="https://kidsarehuman.org/">Kids Are Human</a>; Legislative Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse; <a href="http://www.legalmomentum.org/">Legal Momentum</a>; <a href="http://www.lasd.org/">Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department</a>; <a href="http://www.lundybancroft.com/">Lundy Bancroft</a>; <a href="http://www.masskids.org/">MassKids (Massachusetts Citizens for Children)</a>; <a href="http://momsfightback.org/">Moms Fight Back</a>; <a href="http://www.mothers-of-lost-children.com/">Mothers of Lost Children</a>; <a href="http://www.ncadv.org/">National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)</a>; <a href="http://www.ncfj.org/">National Coalition for Family Justice (NCFJ)</a>; <a href="http://www.thehotline.org/">National Domestic Violence Hotline</a>; <a href="http://nnedv.org/">National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)</a>; <a href="http://nomas.org/">National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS)</a>; <a href="http://now.org/">National Organization for Women (NOW)</a>; <a href="https://www.npeiv.org/">National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV)</a>; <a href="http://www.4vawa.org/">National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence</a>; <a href="https://www.peaceoverviolence.org/">Peace Over Violence</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seekingjusticeforpiqui/">Piqui’s Justice</a>; <a href="http://sd22.senate.ca.gov/">Senator Ed Hernandez</a>; <a href="http://soarforjustice.org/">SOAR for Justice</a>; <a href="http://stopabusecampaign.org/">Stop Abuse Campaign</a>; Support Network of Advocates for Protective Parents (SNAPP); <a href="https://www.taalk.org/">Talk About Abuse to Liberate Kids (TAALK)</a>; <a href="https://hoflaw.com/">The Hofheimer Family Law Firm</a>; <a href="http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/">The Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence</a>; <a href="http://nurturedparent.org/">The Nurtured Parent</a>; and <a href="http://wingsforjustice.com/">Wings for Justice</a>.</span></div>
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Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-59680055724192796852019-05-12T09:56:00.002-04:002019-05-12T09:56:15.827-04:00HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VsNbhwSXDB8" width="420"></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-77173917499080228372019-04-01T19:51:00.002-04:002019-05-05T01:23:15.384-04:00HOW FATHER'S RIGHTS PEOPLE HAVE IT ALL WRONG WHEN IT COMES TO FAMILY COURT REFORM!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a recent hearing at the CT State Legislature, father's rights activists demanded that legislators and citizens define the problem with family court as one of parental alienation. They are wrong, and I will tell you why. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My introduction to the CT family court reform movement was around 2011 when Keith Harmon Snow, author of "The Worst Interests of the Child", contacted me to discuss the ways in which victims of domestic violence were losing custody to their abusers. Next, on or around 2013, father's rights advocates seized control of the family court reform movement and reframed its agenda. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead of demonstrating concern regarding protective mothers, they insisted that the problem of family court could only be traced back to the celebrated [or debunked, depending upon your perspective,] theory of parental alienation (PA), or parental alienation syndrome (PAS). This recently culminated in the raised House Bill 7393 [now withdrawn] which proposed either jail or fines for those whom the Court determines have committed it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Bill also included two separate "friendly parent" provisions which would have guaranteed that anyone who reported domestic violence or child sexual abuse would promptly lose custody. After all, it is most unfriendly to assert that you or your child are the victims of abuse. [Ok, I know, not funny. I'm just joking.]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To begin, for those who do not know, what is parental alienation, or parental alienation syndrome? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a definition, I'm taking the easy route, and I will simply quote wikipedia. Parental alienation syndrome is, "<span style="background-color: white;">a term introduced by child psychiatrist </span><span style="color: #4c1130;">Richard Gardner</span><span style="background-color: white;"> in 1985 to describe a distinctive suite of behaviors in children that includes showing extreme but unwarranted fear, disrespect or hostility towards a parent.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Observed repeatedly in families involved in </span><span style="color: #4c1130;">child custody</span><span style="background-color: white;"> litigation, these behaviors result from</span> <span style="color: #4c1130;">manipulation</span><span style="background-color: white;"> or </span><span style="color: #4c1130;">undue influence</span><span style="background-color: white;">, typically by the other parent who may be attempting to prevent an ongoing relationship between a child and other family members after family separation or divorce."</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The clincher in this discussion is the statement that comes next, "</span><span style="background-color: white;">The syndrome has not been accepted by either the medical or legal communities and Gardner's theory has been criticized by legal and mental health scholars for lacking scientific validity and reliability." </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yet despite the fact that this syndrome has no scientific validity, father's rights people insist upon embedding it in our laws here in CT and making it a central factor in all custody determinations. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Again, in doing this, I believe that fathers' rights people have it all wrong. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Why? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you have a problem, then you need to look for solutions. However, these solutions will not work as long as the problems haven't been defined properly. When it comes to the broken family court system here in CT, I have been increasingly disgusted with the incapacity of many advocates -- father's rights advocates in particular, the Task Force to Study Legal Disputes Involving the Care and Custody of Minor Children (2013 - 2014), members of the legislature and the CT Judicial Branch -- to define the problem in an intelligent manner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">How can you begin to think of developing policies or crafting bills when you have no idea what is going on? For me personally, as an advocate, I don't get that approach. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">For instance, blaming the victims. For too long now, starting with the "Report of the Governor's Commission on Divorce, Custody and Children" of December 2002, experts on family court, i.e. attorneys, judges, mental health professionals -- have placed the blame for the problems of family court on the litigants themselves. In the words of the Governor's report, which were again quoted in the report of the Task Force on the Care and Custody of Minor Children (2014), the problem arises from "a small minority of parents [which] engages in persistent conflict because of anger, characterological or mental health problems, or the force of personality." </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The theory that character flaw or mental illness repeats itself in fathers' rights advocates insistence that the problem can be understood almost solely within the context of parental alienation syndrome. Also, that the solution should be strict punishments for PAS, i.e. jail and hefty financial fines, as well as forced shared parenting. But is this true?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">For a closer look at this phenomenon, take a look at the hearing which took place earlier this month on February 5, 2019. I spent a considerable amount of time yesterday reviewing the entire video which is a little over 9 hours long. For at least the first three hours of this testimony, viewers were subjected to lengthy lectures on parental alienation theory. First came Dr. William Bernat, a parental alienation expert, who broke down the theory to its 17 recognized behaviors and 8 symptoms. After he had completed his testimony, we were forced to listen to Dr. Steve Miller, a frequent flyer at the CT Legislature, who talked about parental alienation syndrome as an epidemic plaguing our nation. Once he was done, then we were bombarded with more lectures on parental alienation from Linda Gottlieb, who I've been informed is not a psychologist. She talked more about planting false memories and false allegations in the light of parental alienation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then after that, we were required to hear the testimony of Ms. Joan Kloth-Zenard who runs the organization "PAS Intervention"--she apparently is qualified by an MFT, whatever that is, as opposed to an LMFT which is what we would ordinarily be looking for. What is interesting about Joan's testimony is that, for an example, she described a case where the mother was stabbed in the abdomen and labia by the father, and yet the father still got custody. To me, this looked to be a case of domestic violence. However, this is the very interesting twist on the parental alienation movement in that father's rights people have couched this theory in the language of the domestic violence movement and so many people, including women, have come to believe that parental alienation theory is just another word for domestic violence. That, in itself, is an entirely, different, but interesting story that I will hopefully touch upon in another blog. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let me get back to my point. This is the dilemma that arises when folks define the problem of family court as a mental health problem among litigants, whether you want to define it as parental alienation or some other ailment. It simply isn't true. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you look at the Governor's Report of December 2002, there is one paragraph in that report on that nasty, chronic, minority of litigators who they said cause all the trouble. After that, you get the 65 page detailed report regarding all the systems malfunctions within the family court system itself which actually cause the problems in family court. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Likewise, once you plow through the insistent litany in regard to PA or PAS in the first 3 hours of the video of the February 5, 2019 day of testimony, which father's rights people provided as the ideological context for the later citizen testimony, you will find 6 additional hours of testimony from at least 30 victims of family court detailing the many systems breakdowns within the CT Family Court system itself. In other words, the problem is not PA or PAS. The problem is a broken family court system. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">One person spoke about the fact that there are no consequences for disobeying orders, a failure to obey the ADA, and judges would not listen to her testimony or look at her evidence. She lost everything, her job, her home, her income. Here is another person who spoke of the collusion between court actors, the failure to obey the constitution, in chambers hearings where parents are not included, impacts including </span>alcohol and drug addiction, homelessness, bankruptcy, trauma, and PTSD. Another person spoke of the denial of due process, attorneys hiding exculpatory evidence, having to be in court so often it was like a full time job, his case discussed behind closed doors without the parties present, financial costs of up to $300,000 - $500,000 and even more. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, corruption, collusion, racketeering, slander, perjury, lack of ethics, no checks and balances, absolute immunity for negligent and incompetent GALs and other vendors, failure to adhere to the rules of court or case law, financial and emotional blackmail, hired guns, perverted custody evaluations and psychological evaluations, no oversight, no accountability, false allegations, inexperienced and unqualified court personnel, unnecessary continuances, documents that disappear from the court files, transcripts that are tampered with, and on and on. This is exactly the same testimony we heard during the daylong testimony on February 9, 2014 and the breakdown of family court here in CT.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forced shared parenting, punishments for so-called alienation, and for not being "friendly", will not correct engrained and deliberately engineered systems failures which are kept in place for profit. In fact, given the introduction of harsh punishments, settling disputes over whether one parent did or did not alienate the other, will invite additional corrupt vendors into the courtroom, and exacerbate already existing problems within the system.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These systems problems were originally detailed in the Governor's Commission report of 2002 and, for the better part, they have gotten worse, and not better. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Parental Alienation theories are about the gender wars taking place in America. Forced shared parenting is about the Men's Rights movement and the backlash against the Women's Rights movement of the 1970s. It is about ideology, and it is about indoctrination. If you talk to the people who promote PAS theory, you quickly get the idea that these are people who act as though they are in a cult reciting their treasured mantras. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ideology is like religion. If you try to enshrine it in your statutes and laws, it will lead to endless confusion.</span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Thinking we can solve the problem of family court by sprinkling holy water on it in the form of the ideology of parental alienation, I think is a recipe for disaster. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, if we are serious about resolving the problems of family court, we have to do the hard work of looking again at the system itself. In other words, we have to investigate the machinery of the CT Family Court system which is operating on a daily basis. We have to examine what works, and what does not. It is a difficult and painstaking job, one which often does not have any easy answers, but it is at least a fairly concrete task from which we can garner measurable results. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every member of the former Governor's Commission of 2002 is currently notable for being at the center of the corruption and malfeasance in family court which we are looking at today. The membership list is literally a who's who of legal and mental health professionals who later became famous for exploiting and taking advantage of family court victims. It is paramount that we make sure nothing like that happens again. When these kinds of criminal court actors take advantage of Moms and Dads, those parents are not mentally ill, they are victims of corrupt family court practices. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This doesn't mean that the Commission didn't do a good job of laying the groundwork for future reform in its examination of the family court system. It's just that they immediately ignored the outcome of the report and used the network they estalished doing the work to exploit and harm family court victims. I simply believe we need to retrieve that work and use it to continue to make progress here and now.</span></div>
Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-22746216330168335142019-03-26T19:03:00.002-04:002019-03-26T19:16:45.886-04:00DAN LYNCH TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE "COURT REPORTERS DOUBLE DIPPING!"<div class="page" title="Page 1">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5B7cDL60B5s/XJqvpzRSJRI/AAAAAAAAC8M/v49w3SmRcTU5W_UW5OXgeFTf26yNwSRzACLcBGAs/s1600/Dan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5B7cDL60B5s/XJqvpzRSJRI/AAAAAAAAC8M/v49w3SmRcTU5W_UW5OXgeFTf26yNwSRzACLcBGAs/s320/Dan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tte1996348t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Dan Lynch's Testimony in Opposition to Raised S.B. No. 844
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">AN ACT CONCERNING LEGAL TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
AND THE FEES CHARGED BY COURT REPORTERS.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">This proposed Bill, as currently drafted, purports to amend Chapter 874 of the General
Statutes, the Chapter titled “Court Reporters,” and which also by reference is impacted
by C.G.S. § 51-12 (Chapter 870, Judicial Department).
</span></span><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">This proposed Bill conflicts with numerous statutes which prevent state
employees from conducting private business while on state paid time, using state
owned equipment and supplies and from within state facilities
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</li>
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">For more than a decade, Connecticut taxpayers have been defrauded by the
illegal practices being condoned by and within the Connecticut Judicial Branch
whereby certain of its employees are being allowed to “double dip,” collecting
hourly pay (including benefits and pension) while simultaneously charging
additional fees for transcription services rendered for private and public parties
during that same time
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</li>
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Comprehensive review of the entire Chapter 874 is needed to ensure it comports
with legal and ethical requirements, as well as current capabilities of technology
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</li>
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">For more than a decade, some have sought to profit from loopholes in existing
statutes which have not kept pace with the significant advancements in
technology, as well as the changes regarding hiring of court personnel vs. per
diem contractors
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">The Judicial Branch has known, but remained largely silent as to the highly
questionable ethical and legal practices concerning state employees:
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier";">o </span><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";">conducting private enterprise while on state paid time</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "courier"; font-size: large;">o </span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "tte19502d8t00"; font-size: large;">conducting private enterprise from within state facilities (courthouses) </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "courier";">o </span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "tte19502d8t00";">conducting private enterprise using state owned equipment and office </span></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="font-size: large;">supplies</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Symbol;">
<img alt="page1image15088" height="0.959531" src="file:///page1image15088" style="color: #4c1130;" width="470.880000" /><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">
</span><img alt="page1image15248" height="0.839531" src="file:///page1image15248" style="color: #4c1130;" width="79.679520" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tte1996348t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS PROPOSED LEGISLATION:</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="font-family: TTE19502D8t00;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Which members of the Judiciary Committee have raised S.B. No.844?
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: TTE19502D8t00;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">What is the specific rationale being used to allow and codify into our statutes an
abusive and illegal practice which should be terminated?
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: TTE19502D8t00;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">What is the justification for allowing state employees to profit incrementally from
the very work product that is already created and owned by the public?
</span><br />
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Committee on Court Recording Monitors and Court Reporters (November 4, 2010)
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">•</span><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/Committees/pst/court_rep/Final_Report.pdf">https://www.jud.ct.gov/Committees/pst/court_rep/Final_Report.pdf</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";">Whistleblower Complaint (May 21, 2015)
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">• </span><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8b75uSVYHH-OGdyd05Dc2ExWWs">https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8b75uSVYHH-OGdyd05Dc2ExWWs</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Yankee Institute for Public Policy (Marc E. Fitch, March 7, 2018)
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">• </span><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><a href="https://www.yankeeinstitute.org/2018/03/audit-finds-court-reporters-make-extra-1-million-in-side-work-boosting-salaries-and-pensions/">https://www.yankeeinstitute.org/2018/03/audit-finds-court-reporters-make-extra-1-million-in-side-work-boosting-salaries-and-pensions/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">CT-N Coverage of Joint Legislative Committee (State Auditor’s Reports, July 9, 2018)
</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=15436&jump=0:00:07">http://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=15436&jump=0:00:07</a></span></span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Gary P. Krischenski (Principal Auditor), John Rasmus Deputy State Auditor
</span></span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: Symbol;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "tte19502d8t00";">Elizabeth Graham, Judicial Branch Executive Director for Administrative Services
</span>• </span><img alt="page2image8520" height="0.839531" src="file:///page2image8520" style="color: #4c1130;" width="354.000000" /><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">
</span><img alt="page2image8680" height="0.839531" src="file:///page2image8680" style="color: #4c1130;" width="416.280000" /><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">
</span><img alt="page2image8840" height="0.839531" src="file:///page2image8840" style="color: #4c1130;" width="257.640000" /><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">
</span><img alt="page2image9000" height="0.839531" src="file:///page2image9000" style="color: #4c1130;" width="287.640000" /></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-43539798331910991142019-02-24T17:31:00.001-05:002019-02-25T16:40:11.600-05:00I'M RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s7DRwz0cAt0" width="480"></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-15732259842667146172019-02-20T16:06:00.002-05:002019-02-21T20:11:34.336-05:00THE LOW DOWN ON SUBPOENAS FOR A SELF REPRESENTED PARTY IN CT!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you represent yourself in family court, you will have a difficult challenge ahead of you as I've explained in previous posts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/search?q=self+represented+">https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/search?q=self+represented+</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-trials-tribulations-and-heroism-of.html">https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-trials-tribulations-and-heroism-of.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/2015/03/for-judges-bullying-self-represented.html">https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/2015/03/for-judges-bullying-self-represented.html</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is your status?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The official position of the CT Judicial Branch in family court is articulated in a handout that they give you when you submit your appearance as a self represented party. It states as follows:</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"A self-represented person must abide by the same rules of procedure and the rules of evidence as lawyers. It is the responsibility of self represented parties to determine what needs to be done and to take the necessary action."</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While this seems reasonable on face value, if you dig down deeper, keeping things equal between self represented parties and attorneys is literally impossible.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One reason for this is that the Rules of Procedure in "The CT Practice Book", and the Rules of Evidence are encylopedic and there is no way an average person would be able to wade through them and figure them out on time for a hearing or anything of that kind.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second, self represented parties do not have the same power and authority that attorneys do when it comes to obtaining documents and ensuring that their witnesses are available for Court hearings and/or trials. While attorneys have the power to issue subpoenas at will, self represented parties cannot do so. </span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In other words, self represented parties do not have subpoena power. Unlike attorneys, if they wish to issue a subpoena, self represented parties must ask a judge for permission, and God help them if the judge doesn't want to give them permission.</span><br />
<b style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is a subpoena?</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">According to Findlaw, a subpoena is "a request for the production of documents, or a request to appear in court or other legal proceeding." There are two kinds of subpoenas. One is a subpoena duces tecum (pronounced "doo-seez tee-kum"), which requires you to produce documents, materials, or other tangible evidence. The second is a subpoena ad testificandum (pronounced "ad test- te-fi-kan-dum"), requires you to testify before a court, or other legal authority.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why is this important? Because proceedings in family court are testimony driven and evidence driven (through documents, tape recordings, video, etc.). If you want to prove the correctness of your legal position in family court, you will need both. Without them, you will lose your case. Period.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is why the power of subpoena is so vital and why not having that power in a family court proceeding is so damaging to self represented parties and why it puts such parties in a position of considerable weakness in contrast to attorneys.</span><br />
<b style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So how does the Family Court system handle subpoenas with self represented parties?</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What it does is require self represented parties to request that a judge sign off on all subpoenas. So if you want to subpoena either evidence or witnesses, you must file an application with a judge, who will then be required to approve it. I will post the link to the application form you would use below. At the same time as you file an application, you must also fill out the subpoena itself and file it along with your application form. See below:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Application for Subpoena:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CL136.pdf">https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CL136.pdf</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Subpoena:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CL043.pdf">https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CL043.pdf</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This seems logical, doesn't it! Ok, but this is the problem. Most judges will simply refuse to approve your request for a subpoena. They just won't. You'd think you would have the procedural due process right to command the presence of your witnesses and obtain necessary documents to prove your position in Court, but you don't--at least not according to CT Family Court judges. Lawyers do, not self-represented parties.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my experience, when it came to obtaining documents from banks and corporations, my Judge declined to sign subpoenas on my behalf but instead ordered my ex to sign authorizations to obtain access to the documents. So how did my ex sign those authorizations? Slowly. Further, as all judges and attorneys know, authorizations do not have the force of law. This means the banks and corporations essentially refused to cooperate, or later cooperated with great reluctance so getting the documents ended up being like pulling teeth, and I still didn't get the entire set. Plus, I had to pay for the entire expense, not only for the copies of documents for me, but an additional set of copies for my ex. Go figure.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this is the paradox. They tell you that you must act in Court exactly like an attorney, but then they don't give you the same power and authority of an attorney to pursue your case. Not fair? Well, too bad for you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Is there any recourse if a judge refuses to grant your application for a subpoena?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My recommendation is that whenever you submit a request for a subpoena that you attach to that request an affidavit indicating why the subpoena is necessary. In addition to a very clear and concise statement as to the need for that particular witness or documentary evidence, the content of this affidavit would be as follows:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If the subpoena is for an expert witness, then you would include the following information: 1) The date when you submitted the required "Notice of Expert Witness" to the Court; 2) Confirmation that you sent the expert witness' report to the opposing party as required by Court Rules and that you have included the witness' name in your trial compliance in advance of trial. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have a fact witness, then you would simply indicate that you have included the witness' name in your trial compliance in advance of trial. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In regard to documents that you wish to subpoena, include in your affidavit exactly why those documents are important and indicate that you have listed the documents you anticipate receiving via the subpoena in your trial compliance. So even though you don't have them yet, you list them and put the word (anticipated) in brackets to indicate you expect them to be produced per your due process right. If you don't know quite what they are exactly, you come up with a reasonably fitting description. This way your request is on the record in another location.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If it turns out that, despite the fact that you carefully filled out the forms appropriately and you submitted a well written affidavit, the judge still denies your request for a subpoena, as often occurs, you still have the option of requesting a hearing to have your application reconsidered. See below the form you would need to fill out for such a hearing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Request For Hearing/Denied Application for Issuance of a Subpoena</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CL137.pdf">https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CL137.pdf</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, this is ridiculous. Can you imagine how much time it takes to fill out the forms, be denied, submit an affidavit, resubmit request, be denied, request a hearing, wait for hearing, be denied, etc. etc. etc. This can continue for weeks, meanwhile the day of trial is looming on the horizon and you have no idea whether you can actually present your case in a competent manner because you are being denied access to witnesses and documentation necessary to do so!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But that's all in a day's work when it comes to how the CT Family Court screws self-represented parties. I am aware that, since my day, the website for the CT Judicial Branch has been crammed with all sorts of information and advice for self represented parties. If you didn't know how the system works and you just looked at the website, you'd think life was delightful for self represented parties. Bottom line, however, is that no matter how they have prettied up the website in a PR campaign, the practice of the law in family court has remained unchanged and self represented parties are just as disadvantaged as ever before. I hope everyone gets that from this discussion.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Where do you stand if you are able to jump all these hoops?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For one thing, you are completely stressed out because in the weeks prior to trial you just didn't know if you'd have the witnesses or documents you needed to present your case. You've probably done double or triple the work preparing to argue a case despite not having what you needed. Then you ended up getting discovery after all. At the last minute, you might have found new documents with completely new evidence. You realize that the expert you thought wouldn't come is now going to be there. So now you have to rewrite your argument again. That's one scenario.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another scenario is that the opposing party will simply ignore the subpoena or dispute the subpoena. What the judge is supposed to do is enforce the subpoena, but often he or she just won't do that. The same goes for subpoenas sent to banks or other corporations--they'll ignore them or dispute them, and you won't be able to do anything to force them to comply because the judge will refuse to take action on your behalf.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is not all the aggravation you are likely to deal with. For instance, when you get all your witnesses to Court, most likely at considerable expense--most require several thousands of dollars to appear--the Judge will refuse to allow them to provide testimony. No, the Judge may not be so blatant as to say you can't put your witnesses on the stand! What the Judge might do is continue the trial to a later date so you would have to go through another round of requesting subpoenas to get them to come back. Plus, you would have to pay the witnesses additional witness fees. As for any documentary evidence you may wish to submit, unless you have memorized every detail of the Rules of Evidence, good luck getting them accepted by the Court as evidence! In my case, I had 90% of my exhibits denied admission as evidence.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you see how self-represented parties are completely screwed here. This is why I consider them so heroic because the odds against them are extraordinary. This is one observation I have in regard to the subpoena situation for self represented parties. The other observation I have is how hypocritical the CT Family Court system is to conduct business in this manner.</span></div>
<br />Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-68886283388543579762019-02-14T23:18:00.001-05:002019-02-14T23:18:54.428-05:00Divorce in Connecticut: CHURCHES AND ALL THAT LOVE ONE ANOTHER STUFF<a href="https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/2010/09/churches-and-all-that-love-one-another.html?spref=bl">Divorce in Connecticut: CHURCHES AND ALL THAT LOVE ONE ANOTHER STUFF</a>: Some of you, like me, have spent quite a bit of time in Church and so you think, well, isn't that where I should be able to get some ...Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-1974655669335456572019-02-14T23:17:00.001-05:002019-02-14T23:17:26.630-05:00Divorce in Connecticut: NO, THE CHILDREN ARE NOT ALL RIGHT!<a href="https://divorceinconnecticut.blogspot.com/2010/09/no-children-are-not-all-right.html?spref=bl">Divorce in Connecticut: NO, THE CHILDREN ARE NOT ALL RIGHT!</a>: My daughter, Marianne, is wonderful, lovely, funny girl and she also has a learning disability known as ADHD for which she takes medica...Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-23232037944046547782019-01-10T16:46:00.000-05:002019-01-10T16:46:02.011-05:00GOVERNOR LAMONT'S OPENING DAY ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY!<iframe width='640' height='380' src='https://ct-n.com/ctn_stream.asp?odID=15879&autostart=false' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen scrolling='no'></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-12387068064627391992019-01-10T01:26:00.001-05:002019-01-10T01:26:23.102-05:00VANNESSA DORANTES HANDPICKED BY FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE CHASE T. ROGERS TO BE NEW COMMISSIONER OF CT DCF!<iframe width='640' height='380' src='https://ct-n.com/ctn_stream.asp?odID=15872&autostart=false' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen scrolling='no'></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-20539132352446634022018-12-25T15:46:00.003-05:002018-12-25T15:48:10.651-05:00THIS SONG IS FOR MOTHERS WITHOUT THEIR CHILDREN THIS XMAS 2018! WE STAND BY YOU THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LRP8d7hhpoQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173416929829483433.post-21463146396156457702018-12-20T09:55:00.000-05:002018-12-20T09:55:28.797-05:00NEW STUDY INDICATES THAT THE USE OF PARENTAL ALIENATION THEORY RENDERS ABUSE INVISIBLE IN FAMILY COURT!
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"This Article provides a brief literature survey, focusing on the
theory of “parental alienation” which operates as a primary vehicle
for making abuse invisible in custody litigation. This Article reports
on the co-authors’ pilot study, which begins empirically mapping
family courts’ uses of this theory. These pilot results provide
preliminary empirical support for the critiques from the field." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more information on this issue, continue reading the article at the link below:</span></div>
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<a href="https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1576&context=lawineq"><span style="font-size: large;">https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1576&context=lawineq</span></a>Catharine Sloperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08915766638552096174noreply@blogger.com0