I am an aggrieved parent, who, like many others, have been enforced to undergo family court proceedings via zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many hearings, including evictions, collections, and protective orders, have returned to in-person in Wichita, KS, family court remains virtually conducted.

The issue at hand is far more than a mere discomfort of technology; it is a matter of justice. The decision determining who my child lives with was based on falsehoods, where the person's integrity couldn't be thoroughly assessed due to the lack of in-person interaction. This decision was made over a year ago, yet not one single in-person family court hearing has been held since. The truth is that virtual platforms don't allow for reading body language or assessing someone's character correctly, restricting the court's understanding of the situation.

Zoom-based family court proceedings not only affect me but also impact a wide range of parents who have paid thousands, sometimes as much as $10,000, in retainer fees. This lack of personal interaction does not respect or value our emotional and financial investment in these proceedings.

Furthermore, children's voices are stifled due to the lack of in-person advocacy. The current setup, therefore, restricts us from having a fair opportunity to fight for our loved ones. Nationally, it is seen that face-to-face communications allow more chances for the truth to surface compared to virtual ones, ensuring correct rulings based on comprehensive assessments (American Bar Association, 2021).

The plea is straightforward; the Family Court of Wichita, KS, needs to reintroduce in-person hearings. By doing so, the court will provide a level playing ground for all parties involved while ensuring justice is served based on accurate judgments.

I urge you to join this petition if you believe in a fair and just court system, where every child's best interest is at the forefront. Lend your voice and power to this request: Open the family court for in-person hearings. We need your support now more than ever to restore justice in the family court system. So please, sign this petition today!