Navigating Divorce with a Private Judge: The Pros, Cons, and How-To

by | Mar 1, 2023 | Divorce

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally taxing process, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system. One alternative to traditional court proceedings is using a private judge. A private judge allows for more flexibility and as well as a faster resolution of your case. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of using this type of judge, as well as the steps involved in securing a judge for a divorce case. It’s important to note that the use of this type of judge varies depending on the jurisdiction, so consulting with a lawyer familiar with the laws of your state is essential.

Using a Private Judge in Divorce Proceedings: Pros and Cons

One of the main benefits of using a private judge is the ability to tailor the process to the specific needs of the case. This can include setting a schedule that works for both parties, choosing the location of the proceedings, and determining the scope of the issues to be addressed and the order in which they are addressed. Additionally, they can provide more personalized attention to the case and the parties involved, which can lead to a more efficient resolution.

One benefit that is more popular is the processing of Judgments. A private judge may be jointly retained by the parties to process or sign off on a final judgment of dissolution, which is significantly faster than submitting the judgment to the court clerk for routing to the superior court judge. Courts are known to be backlogged as to the processing of Judgments and even more so at the end of a calendar year.  Depending on the county where you live, the court can take more than three months to process judgments.

Another advantage of using this type of judge is the ability to keep the proceedings confidential. This can be particularly important for high-profile or sensitive cases, where the parties may not want the details of their divorce to be made public.

However, there are also some potential downsides to using a private judge. The cost can be prohibitive and much higher than traditional court proceedings, as the parties will need to pay for the judge’s time and services. 

Overall, using a private judge in a divorce case can provide a number of benefits, including more flexibility, control, and confidentiality. However, it is important for the parties to carefully consider the costs and potential limitations before deciding to use this option.

How Do I Use a Private Judge in Divorce Proceedings?

Securing a private judge in a divorce proceeding typically involves the following steps:

  1. Identifying a judge: This can be done through a referral service or by contacting the local bar association for a list of qualified private judges in your area.
  2. Agreeing on a judge with your spouse: Both parties in the divorce must agree to use a private judge before proceeding. It is important that both parties are comfortable with the judge’s qualifications and experience.
  3. Hiring the judge: Once both parties have agreed on a judge, the judge will typically require a retainer fee to be paid before proceeding with the case. This fee will cover the judge’s time and expenses.
  4. Court approval: The court must approve the use of a private judge. Submission of a stipulation and order to appoint a private judge (also known as Judge Pro Tem) to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court will be approved as a matter of course, so long as the judge has the appropriate qualifications.  

Once the private judge is appointed, the proceedings will be conducted outside of the usual court system and will be handled by the judge. It is important that both parties are aware of the requirements set by the judge, and that they follow them throughout the proceedings.

It’s always good to consider consulting with a lawyer before taking any step in divorce proceedings, they will be able to guide you through the process and help you to make the best decision for your specific case.

Whipple Mercado Is Here

If you are considering using a private judge for your divorce case, the team at Whipple Mercado Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding private judges and can guide you through the process from start to finish. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and goals and will do everything in our power to ensure that your case is resolved in the most efficient and fair manner possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a successful resolution of your case.



Tammy J. Mercado

Tammy J. Mercado has a passion for helping her clients achieve their desired results. She listens and she personally and promptly responds to your texts, emails and phone calls. She offers real solutions to your legal matters. Tammy will carefully evaluate the legal issues in your case, provide you with sound advice and offer you the pros and cons of each possible scenario so you can meet your legal objectives. She encourages clients to participate in their own matters. Tammy believes that client participation is key to a positive result and to keeping attorney fees as low as possible. You can be sure that she will offer you straightforward, sound and honest advice in a professional manner, with integrity and excellence.

Before opening her own law practice, Tammy worked for many high-volume law firms. This gave her extensive, diversified experience in hundreds of complex family law cases as well as civil matters. She is admitted to practice law before all courts in California and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Contra Costa Bar Association, the Alameda County Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco. Tammy is also a member of the Rotary Club of Danville.

Tammy is a graduate of John F. Kennedy School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix. Tammy is also a licensed real estate broker, which comes in handy for valuing property in family law cases as well as real estate matters in the civil arena.

During her off time, Tammy is an avid sailor who crews and races on various boats in the San Francisco Bay. Tammy approaches each case as she would any yacht race: by assessing the other’s strengths, weaknesses, experience, equipment, history and reputation. She is a member of the American Sailing Association, and she is a certified Coast Guard Auxiliary member.

HONORS AND AWARDS
Tammy was selected to receive the prestigious “Business Person of the Year” Award in 2017 for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce.

Tammy is currently serving as Danville Rotary President for 2017 through 2019.

Mary C. Whipple, CFLS

Mary C. Whipple opened her first law practice in the summer of 2008. She previously was an associate attorney at the Law Office of Cummins & Holmes, a full-service civil litigation law firm in San Ramon. The majority of her experience is in family law, which includes divorce, custody, support, prenuptial agreements and domestic-violence restraining orders. Certified by the California State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization, she is a specialist in the area of family law. Mary has also represented clients in a variety of non-family-law cases, including juvenile dependency, probate, breach of contract and employment disputes, to name a few.

Mary also previously worked as a contract attorney for O’Melveny & Meyers in San Francisco while simultaneously volunteering at the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Volunteer Legal Services Program, representing defendants in unlawful detainer actions. The program acknowledged Mary with an Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service Award in 2006 for her efforts in providing access to justice.

A seventh-generation Californian, Mary is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science in criminology at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Alameda County Bar Association, and the Contra Costa County Bar Association.

In addition, Mary is active in her community as a member of the Ambassador’s Committee for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce; a volunteer at the Contra Costa County and Alameda County Superior Courts, where she assists self-represented litigants in completing their divorces; and a member of Divorce Angel, where she provides information regarding family law matters to members of the community. Since 2007 she has been a volunteer judge for Alameda and Contra Costa County’s Annual High School Moot Court Competition. She is also a member of the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club. She was awarded the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Person of the Year; and a graduate of the 2012 class of Leadership San Ramon Valley.

CERTIFIED LEGAL SPECIALTIES
Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization