A New Dawn in Child Custody Disputes: The Impact of Piqui's Law
Stewart Andrew Alexander
You're One Interview Away from Being a Trusted Advisor in Divorce | Host of 'Let's Talk Divorce' on Impact Makers Radio (since 2015)
Piqui's Law: A Beacon of Hope in Child Custody Battles
Ana Estevez's tragic story of losing her son to an abusive ex-husband has sparked a significant change in the California legislature.
Despite her warnings about her ex-husband's dangerous behavior, a judge granted him shared custody, leading to a heartbreaking outcome.
In response to this, Piqui's Law has been passed, establishing mandatory training on domestic and child abuse for custody judges. This law also prohibits judges from ordering children into reunification programs that isolate them from their preferred parent.
This new law is a beacon of hope for many parents who have been fighting for their children's safety in custody disputes. It aims to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents and ensure that the child's welfare is prioritized.
The Harsh Reality of Child Custody Disputes
A 2019 study revealed a disturbing trend in custody cases. When women raised allegations of spousal or child abuse, judges believed them only 36% of the time. This statistic underscores the urgent need for reforms like Piqui's Law.
Viral social media content has also highlighted the issue of child safety in custody disputes. Last October, a TikTok video showing two terrified children being forcibly taken away for a reunification program sparked widespread outrage.
In the past 15 years, 962 children across the country have been murdered by a parental figure involved in a separation or divorce dispute. California alone has witnessed 25 preventable homicides in this period. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for laws like Piqui's Law.