Private Judge

A decision-maker on your schedule

When the parties need a decision rather than a negotiation, a private judge offers the authority of the court with the privacy, focus and scheduling flexibility that crowded court calendars often cannot provide.

California permits parties to stipulate to have their matter heard by a privately compensated temporary judge (California Rules of Court, rule 2.830 and following) or to have the court appoint a referee to hear and determine some or all issues (Code of Civil Procedure sections 638 and 639). Suzanne N. Boucher brings more than thirty years of family law experience and her standing as a Certified Family Law Specialist to that role.

Why parties choose a private judge

• Privacy. Hearings take place in a private setting rather than an open courtroom calendar.
• Certainty. Firm hearing dates and the same judicial officer from start to finish.
• Expertise. A neutral who knows complex property, valuation and support issues in depth.
• Efficiency. Issues can be heard and decided promptly, reducing overall cost and delay.

Appointments are made by stipulation of the parties and order of the court. Please submit an inquiry so a conflict check can be completed before any appointment is discussed.