NOTE: This piece was first published on TheFamilyCourtCircus.com
By Richard Luthmann
Arizona Sparks a Movement. Idaho Fans the Flames.
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers may have just lit the next match in a growing national blaze to reform family courts.
On July 7, 2025, the Idaho Legislature’s Child Custody and Domestic Relations Task Force convened a packed hearing at the State Capitol.
The hearing featured testimony from experts, judges, law enforcement, and heartbroken parents who say the family court system is broken—and in some cases, dangerous.
Co-chaired by Senator Tammy Nichols (District 10) and Representative Heather Scott (District 2), the task force drew on Arizona’s legislative blueprint, which has already led to new laws aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and fairness in custody proceedings.
Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem, a national figure in the family court reform movement, testified in support of Idaho’s efforts.
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant,” Finchem said. “We reined in judicial abuse in Arizona by opening the process to oversight. Idaho can do the same.”
Finchem’s presence sent a signal: this isn’t just about Idaho. It’s a national reckoning.
Dr. Bandy Lee Calls Out Systemic Abuse
The day’s most powerful testimony came from Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and global expert on domestic violence. Lee, who has advised courts and legislatures worldwide, minced no words.
“Family courts in the U.S. are enabling abusers,” she said. “They reward those who manipulate the system and punish those who speak out.”
Dr. Lee explained that the courts often misinterpret psychological abuse, coercive control, and trauma.
“Instead of recognizing patterns of control and grooming,” she said, “the courts accuse victims of alienation and strip them of custody.”
She urged lawmakers to stop giving unchecked power to unqualified court appointees and called for independent, scientifically trained experts to review cases.
Her recommendations mirrored Finchem’s: record all hearings, remove judicial immunity in custody decisions, and penalize false claims of abuse.
“This is not about mother versus father,” Lee said. “It’s about truth versus power.”
Parents Say the System Punishes the Innocent
The public testimony portion quickly became emotional. Parents shared harrowing stories of false accusations, forced separations, and court-appointed professionals who ignored signs of abuse.
One mother said her daughter disclosed sexual abuse during a court-ordered visit, but her claims were never investigated.
“The judge called me hysterical and gave him more time,” she said through tears.
Another father said he lost all custody after challenging a biased guardian ad litem.
“They said I was uncooperative,” he said. “I was just asking them to follow the law.”
A grandmother said she spent $80,000 trying to keep her grandson safe.
“The GAL never even spoke to my grandson,” she said. “She just rubber-stamped the abuser’s request.”
Lawmakers listened closely. Rep. Marco Erickson (District 33) asked if Idaho courts rely too heavily on unverified psychological evaluations.
Rep. Barbara Ehardt (District 33) pressed for accountability among court officers who fail to follow evidence protocols.
Senator Cindy Carlson (District 8) raised concerns about poor coordination between counties.
“If a parent has a history in one county,” she asked, “how do we stop them from disappearing into another?”
Law Enforcement Admits Its Hands Are Tied
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basche said police are often powerless in family court disputes.
“We get called when a parent doesn’t return a child,” Basche said. “If there’s no immediate danger, we can’t intervene.”
He described cases where one parent fled the state with a child.
“Even with a custody order,” he said, “we often need a judge’s warrant before acting.”
Rep. Ehardt asked, “How many times does a parent get away with it before someone steps in?” Basche responded, “That’s a question better suited for a judge.”
Basche said law enforcement sees how abusers exploit vague or unenforceable court orders.
“We end up responding to the fallout, not preventing the harm,” he said.
He called for clear state laws, stronger penalties for repeat violations, and better tracking of custody orders across jurisdictions.
Idaho Lawmakers Signal They’re Ready to Act
Sen. Nichols and Rep. Scott made clear that the task force was not just for show. Nichols emphasized that “hundreds of constituents have come forward” with stories of injustice.
Scott called the hearings “the beginning of real legislative action.”
“Arizona has given us a roadmap,” Scott said. “We’re not reinventing the wheel—we’re making it roll in Idaho.”
Among the proposals floated:
A statewide database for court-appointed professionals
Mandatory recording of all family court proceedings
Reform of the Guardian ad Litem system
Public disciplinary boards for family court judges
A rebuttable presumption of equal parenting time
Penalties for knowingly false abuse allegations
The task force’s next hearing is reportedly scheduled to focus on draft legislation and models from other reform-minded states.
A National Movement Gains Steam
The hearing marked a turning point for Idaho, as well as for the broader family court reform movement.
Arizona has already passed several of Finchem’s reforms.
Texas, led by grassroots organizations and bipartisan support, is working on similar laws.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation last year mandating equal parenting time in most cases. Under the new law, courts must begin with the assumption that equal time is in the best interest of the child.
Judges can deviate from that presumption only by issuing written findings that equal time would be detrimental.
“This ensures fairness,” DeSantis said. “It puts both parents on equal footing—and puts kids first.”
Florida’s reform has since become a model for other states exploring similar legislation, including Texas, Tennessee, Arizona, and now Idaho.
“Idaho is joining the wave,” Finchem said. “What began as whispers in private Facebook groups is now a national conversation.”
Dr. Lee agreed.
“This is a matter of public health and civil rights,” she said. “Family courts affect millions of children. Reform is not optional—it’s urgent.”
The message was clear: the system is broken, but the tide is turning.
Idaho may be next to make history.
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