Private Judge

Gretchen Taylor is available to hear your Family Law case in its entirety or solely one or two issues as a Private Judge. The Superior Court of your jurisdiction can appoint her to hear your matter with the same force and effect as the sitting Judge in your case.

The advantages of this approach are numerous. You will be able to have your matter heard and concluded at your pace and preference. You can avail yourself of her expertise in a particular area of the law or opt out altogether from the crowded courtroom atmosphere and its attendant downside. Her decision will be binding just as if it were rendered by the current Judge or Commissioner assigned to your case.

You get to control the place of hearing. Any conference room will do. She has conference rooms available at no cost to you in downtown Los Angeles, Century City and Palm Springs.You can chose to have a Court Reporter present or dispense with that cost by stipulation. The issues can be tried separately and the process can be as formal or informal as you wish.

Many find this to be an effective and expeditious way to finalize their case.

The orders she makes will be filed in your Court legal file and have the same effect as if heard there.
You may decide that your agreement be confidential and only enter the non-confidential aspects of your case in the public court file.