Solution to the Family Court Crisis:
Damon's Law
Damon's Law mandates a new custody court system which will ensure due process for parents
and safety and well-being for children.
and safety and well-being for children.
Characteristics of the New Child Custody Courts
- Type of cases heard: contested child custody
- Venue: separate division of Civil Court
- Fact finder: jury
- Appellate standard: error of law
- Best interest of the child standard
- No mandatory mediation
- No demurrers, summary judgments, judgments on pleadings
- No: custody evaluators, court-ordered therapists or children’s attorneys
- Immediate police investigations of abuse: all evidence admissible
- No CPS involvement
- Immediate videotaped forensic interview of children re: parenting/abuse
- Experts may testify on behalf of parents
- Temporary custody to primary nurturer; traditional visitation to other parent
- Right to speedy trial
- Database documenting cases and outcomes