The Family Court Racket
For decades, family courts across the United States—particularly in San Diego—have operated under the guise of justice while systematically exploiting families for profit. As a retired judge compelled to expose this corruption, I reveal a system prioritizing financial gain over welfare, enabled by collusion among judges, attorneys, evaluators, and law enforcement.
The Players in the Racket
The Judges
San Diego judges like Cathy Ann Bencivengo, Kristine Nesthus, and Debra K. Keeney have shielded colleagues from scrutiny, dismissing legitimate complaints of abuse. Judge Lorna A. Alksne faced public outcry for rulings favoring prolonged custody battles. The San Diego Superior Court leadership, including former Presiding Judge David J. Danielsen, has stifled accountability through procedural dismissals.
The Lawyers and Bar Associations
The San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) and firms like Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek perpetuate cycles of litigation. Attorney Matthew Green defended judges in racketeering cases, while Jan Goldsmith, former San Diego City Attorney, allegedly manipulated legal processes. David Shapiro, known for high-profile custody cases, exemplifies attorneys profiting from prolonged disputes.
The Custody Evaluators and Psychologists
Dr. Stephen Doyne and Dr. Mark Patterson (accused of biased evaluations) have influenced custody decisions for profit. Family Court Services, San Diego’s evaluation agency, faces criticism for opaque practices favoring repeat players.
Law Enforcement and Oversight Bodies
The Council on Judicial Performance and California State Bar (criticized in a 2022 audit by Michael S. Tilden) failed to rein in misconduct. Sheriff William Gore and successor Sheriff Anthony Ray enforced unlawful orders, while Attorney Christopher Melcher (linked to high-profile cases) exemplifies ethical lapses in the bar.
Systemic Abuses and Case Examples
Court-Sanctioned Parental Alienation
Eileen Theofanous Lasher spent $450,000 over 17 years. Shawna Lynn Gray’s San Diego case dragged for a decade, draining resources. The 2021 California State Auditor’s Report highlighted systemic inefficiencies enabling such abuse.
Star Chambers and Secrecy
A 2019 San Diego Union-Tribune investigation exposed secret hearings, akin to In re Marriage of Seagondollar (2015), where evaluators’ conflicts were ignored. Judges routinely backdate orders, as seen in Smith v. Smith (2020), violating due process.
Retaliation Against Whistleblowers
Colbern Stuart (CCFC founder) was assaulted in 2010 for exposing corruption. Diane Wasznicky of the California Protective Parents Association (CPPA) faced barred court access after criticizing evaluators. The CCFC’s 2012 federal lawsuit cited 30+ indictable crimes, including obstruction by judges John S. Meyer (censured in 2018) and Laura Palmer.
A Culture of Arrogance
Judges like Gary M. Bubis (who declared, “I decide what’s right”) epitomize unchecked power. The 2022 State Bar audit revealed misappropriated funds, while the Commission on Judicial Performance ignored complaints against Judge John S. Meyer for collusion.
The Victims
Children like those in In re K.M. (2021) were removed via falsified allegations. Parents with disabilities, such as in Doe v. San Diego Superior Court (2019), faced ADA violations. High-profile cases like Depp v. Heard (2022) mirror systemic weaponization of allegations, eroding public trust.
Bottom Line
This racket thrives on complicity. Reforms require dismantling crony networks, enforcing transparency, and holding enablers like the SDCBA and Family Court Services accountable. Only then can courts fulfill their duty to protect families, not profit from them. Is San Diego better or worse than ten years ago? Are there still swinger groups that circle the wagons to protect each other? Are there still judges and lawyers who play golf together and have a "short hand" worked out between them to drive up costs and give to each other's foundations?
Let's find out together.
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