| I often hear domestic violence survivors hollering that | | | | position is properly represented. Rather, the court's |
| the family court system is not being just and fair. | | | | job is merely to pass judgment on what is before |
| They say, it is supposed to be just and fair yet, it | | | | the judge. |
| isn't. | | | | Being Proactive to Create Justice |
| My question is, "Is that true?" I'm not sure if the | | | | Now, it is true that battered women often get the |
| word "fair" is relevant here. | | | | raw end of the deal in family court. It is also true |
| What Is Before the Court | | | | that one of the reasons for this is because they are |
| You see the family court system is really about | | | | not knowledgeable on how to get their case before |
| adjudicating on what's before the court. And what's | | | | the court. |
| before the court is more a matter of what the | | | | And sadly, as is typically the case, their counsel |
| attorneys put before the court, that is, what they | | | | reflexively operates according to the financial politics |
| put in front of the judge. | | | | of the case. You may think it is cold and cruel that |
| So, if you are scratching your head or tearing your | | | | finances govern the operation of the legal judicial |
| hair out over what's just and fair, I recommend that | | | | system; but let's face it, attorneys are paid court |
| you consider what's before the court. | | | | agents. They are not free public servants, at least |
| It's your business to carefully monitor whether your | | | | not in divorce court. |
| case is being put before the court in a way that | | | | If you are a domestic violence survivor and |
| represents your best interest. And if it is not, it is | | | | protective parent in a custody or divorce matter, be |
| your responsibility to do something about it. | | | | mindful of the influence and control you could have |
| It is not the court's responsibility to make sure your | | | | by getting your case before the court. |