Alison Chao Court Watch
When “professionals” in the family court system try to silence a child, it is our responsibility to come together and collectively amplify our voices loudly — until everyone is listening.
If you are not following the story of 15-year old Alison Chao, this is your invitation to begin. Alison wants a voice in her current living circumstances and in her future. Most people are perplexed when they hear Alison’s story because they believe that children in the California family court system are given a voice at the age of 14-years old.
In California, according to Family Code FAM § 3042;
(a) If a child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to custody or visitation, the court shall consider, and give due weight to, the wishes of the child in making an order granting or modifying custody or visitation.
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(c) If the child is 14 years of age or older and wishes to address the court regarding custody or visitation, the child shall be permitted to do so, unless the court determines that doing so is not in the child’s best interests. In that case, the court shall state its reasons for that finding on the record.
California Family Code § 3042 states that if a judge precludes a child from testifying about their custodial preference, they must provide an alternative option for the child’s opinion to be heard. It is common practice for judges to appoint family court professionals such as child custody evaluators, parenting coordinators or minor’s counsel which sounds like the perfect solution, doesn’t it. Unfortunately, stories of collusion and corruption within these professional pools are endless and rampant. There is more money in silencing children and forcing them into relationships with parents they’ve rejected than there is in listening to children and (wait for it….) believing children.
What I know to be true: family court in the United States of America is an industrial complex and children have become revenue streams for unscrupulous professionals. In the family court system, there is no recourse available for minor children or parents who do not agree with recommendations or rulings, even when the decisions are dangerous or place children at risk.
Why doesn’t Alison Chao have a voice? Many parents are anxiously waiting for their children to reach this magical age where they can express their desires. Like with everything in family court, it’s the wild, wild west. It’s truly up to the discretion of the judge — there are judges who will talk to children as young as 6-years-old and other judges who refuse to hear from 17-year-olds. Just because the law allows a child to express their opinion doesn’t mean the judge is required to give their preference any weight when making a ruling.
The cherry on top is that our present-day family court system places more emphasis on pro-contact and parental rights than it does on children’s rights. In fact, the family curt climate is pro-contact at all costs. Couple this with the sad reality that judges are rarely trained in topics like child abuse and trauma.
Alison Chao’s story:
Alison Chao, a 15-year old from Monterey Park, California left her father’s house on her bicycle just after 5:30 p.m. on July 16, 2024. The day prior, Alison released a disturbing video showing police officers on her porch, trying to coax her out of her home. Allegedly, there are court orders granting Alison’s mother full custody which is not what Alison wants.
On Tuesday morning, a woman named Rachelle spotted Alison and followed her several blocks to ABC 7 studio. Rachelle provided the following statement:
"What struck me immediately was how self-possessed she was. Sound of mind. Very articulate, very clear on what the situation was. She was very clear on 'I've come to ABC to tell my story. No one else will listen to me.'"
Court Watchers Needed:
There is a hearing on July 30, 2024 at 8:30 AM at Stanley Mosk in Los Angeles in Department 88 - CHAO, ANNIE VS CHAO, JEFFERY in front of Judge Patricia Young. Minor's Counsel in this case is Emily Faye Robinson who has previously been on our radar. If you have had experience with her as minors council (or in any other capacity), we ask that you let us know at > intheirbestinterest.com.
Additional case information:
Press conference held by Jeffery Chao, father of Alison Chao
*** The most recent update is that Alison Chao is in the custody of DCSF.
