17 Years Later, Sacramento County Family Court Problems Persist - Whistleblowers Allege Court Operates as Racketeering Enterprise

The report embedded with this post is by investigative reporter and attorney Karen Winner, and is provided by the California Protective Parents Association. Court watchdogs assert that the problems highlighted 17 years ago in this 2000 report have not been corrected.

A subsequent audit by the California State Auditor found additional problems, many of which the court refused to fix, according to follow up reports from State Auditor Elaine Howle.

Whistleblowers allege that the Sacramento Family Court system continues to operate as what amounts to a racketeering enterprise which deprives the public of the federally protected right to honest government services.

Santa Clara County Judge Mary Ann Grilli Controversy: Socioeconomic, Pro Per Bias Alleged by Family Court Whistleblowers

Santa Clara County Superior Court whistleblowers allege that many wealthy judges convey explicit socioeconomic and pro per bias against indigent, disabled and financially disadvantaged litigants. 

A Santa Clara County government whistleblower has leaked the Statement of Economic Interests financial disclosure data for controversial family law Judge Mary Ann Grilli. The records reveal that Grilli enjoys a net worth substantially above seven figures. The 30-page document, embedded at the end of this article, shows a well diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, as well as an IRA and a revocable trust. 

Indigent, disabled and financially disadvantaged "pro per" litigants who can't afford counsel report that Grilli routinely exhibits socioeconomic and pro per bias, and favoritism towards lawyers. Court dockets and records from cases reviewed by the Family Court Accountability Coalition indicate that Grilli also often disregards "level-playing field" laws that mandate both parties in a divorce be represented by counsel where community property and assets are sufficient.

Sacramento Judge Thadd Blizzard Aids & Abets Criminal Child Abduction, Blocks Witness Subpoenas for Judge Pro Tem Attorney Richard Sokol

Leaked Court Reporter Transcript Catches Sacramento Judge Authorizing Criminal Child Abduction for Client of Judge Pro Tem Lawyer 

Hon. Thadd A. Blizzard

Hon. Thadd A. Blizzard is memorialized in this court reporter transcript approving a criminal child abduction and blocking witness subpoenas for the benefit of Sacramento Family Court judge pro tem attorney Richard Sokol. As the family law hearing transcript records, opposing attorney Archibald Cunningham of San Francisco was stunned by the judge's acquiesce to a clearly illegal, out-of-state move away in which the facts were not disputed. 

Sacramento Family Court has an established track record of collusion between full-time judges and judge pro tem attorneys who operate the settlement conference program on behalf of the court. Court watchdogs have documented that the temporary judges are compensated with favorable rulings and other perks when representing clients in the same court. 

For the full article, and to view the complete court reporter transcript from the controversial hearing, click Read more >> below...

Tulare County Family Court Services

At this link, Tulare County Family Court provides the following services for families and children:

  

• Child custody recommending counseling: It is mandated in Family Code section 3160 that parents be referred to mediation if they do not have a parenting plan for their child or children at the time of their court hearing. If you are referred to Family Court Services at the hearing and do not reach an agreement, the child custody recommending counselor will provide information and recommendations to the court in writing before your court hearing takes place.
• Child custody mediation: this is a confidential process in which the parents are assisted in developing a plan of custody and visitation, but if there is no agreement, the mediator does not provide information to the court. Appointments for mediation are available in the afternoon in Family Court Services.
• Juvenile dependency mediation: The juvenile court may refer cases to mediation for custody and visitation exit orders as well as discussion of of other issues as ordered. The mediator will send any agreements to the court or will let the court know if no agreement is made.
• Limited investigation in child custody cases may be conducted when ordered by the court, as provided in Family Code section 3112. There may be a cost assessed for this investigation.
• Pre-marital interviews for juveniles who petition for a marriage license, per Family Code sections 302 and 304.
• Investigation of Guardianship and Conservatorship petitions pursuant to Probate Code sections 1513 and 1826.
• Stepparent adoption investigations on requests for adoption, pursuant to Family Code section 9001. Click here for local forms and instructions for filing in Tulare County.