California Looking to Revamp Custody Laws

An old English sentiment - no publicity, no justice - dates back to a 1790 quote by philosopher Jeremy Bentham but has relevance to legal decisions being made this month.

The state of California is revamping existing laws that could open up dependency courts. This refers to the system that governs children who have been separated from their parent's custody due to abuse or neglect, primarily those in the foster care system. In the past these courts have generally been "presumptively closed," meaning that the press and public are barred from hearing the cases within. However, Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles, hopes to change that.

His proposition, AB 73, would make the dependency courts "presumptively open" for most cases. Feuer believes that "an open system will hold participants in it much more accountable. That will safeguard the kids and integrity of the process." To support his cause Feuer has invited the former chief justice of Minnesota Supreme Court, Kathleen Blatz, to speak at the Tuesday morning hearing before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

If you have questions about child custody, contact Ellerin Hutchinson to get help from a Jacksonville family lawyer.