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Legal System Unfair to Women Says Rochester NOW
Family Justice Task Force
October 26, 1999
What: Demonstration to protest the unfair treatment of
women in divorce and child custody legal proceedings.
"Some of the most heartbreaking phone calls Rochester NOW receives
are from women who are going through divorce and child custody
proceedings," stated Dana Emmings, chair of Rochester NOW's Family
Justice Task Force. "The abuses they describe by lawyers and judges
must stop. The enormous costs associated with divorce and child
custody proceedings must end. Too many women and children are falling
into poverty due to current divorce practices and law."
The Family Justice Task Force was formed last spring after a
Rochester NOW meeting which over 100 people attended to hear New York
State divorce reform advocate
Karen Winner. Task
Force members work to raise the awareness of gender bias against women
litigants and to create a legal system that is fair to all parties.
"Too often it is the spouse with the most money and connections
that receive so-called 'justice' in the courts," stated Emmings. "And
most of the time that means the husband."
When: Friday, October 29, 1999, Noon - 2 p.m.
Where: In front of the Hall of Justice (Exchange Street)
NOW New York State 1999-2000 Legislative Priorities on Domestic
Relations
NOW-NYS Supports:
Equal distribution legislation to replace current equitable
distribution standard Legislation to require extensive education for judges on
economics of divorce, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and
race Penalties for concealing marital assets including an award of
100 percent of those assets to the wronged spouse in addition to
other criminal and economic penalties Legislation to require that custody be awarded to the primary
caregiver Legislation to redefine "family" to include, but not be limited
to, extended and new family formations including shared space,
domestic partners, and consanguinity
NOW-NYS Strongly Opposes:
Any legislation that requires judges to consider joint custody
over the objection of either parent Any legislation or court directive establishing court procedures
that effectively deny women due process such as mediation, joint
custody, or parental education Any legislation establishing a unilateral no-fault ground for
divorce
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