Vol. 5, Issue 1 │ June 2025
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MESSAGE FROM THE COMMITTEE:
In this edition of The Source, the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) delves into some of the ethical issues faced by judges sitting in family court assignments.
These include:
• Managing Bias and the Appearance of Bias
• Handling Self-Represented Litigants
• Ex Parte Communication
• Maintaining Courtroom Decorum
• The Emotional Toll of Family Court
• Remembering Your Role
Please read on to learn more.
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ABOUT US
CJEO is an independent California Supreme Court committee of 12 judicial officers, appointed by the court, with delegated constitutional authority to issue opinions on judicial ethics. Click here to learn more about CJEO’s history, mission, and membership.
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HAVE YOU SEEN CJEO'S ANNOTATED CODE OF JUDICIAL ETHICS?
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Q&A with Commissioner Belinda A. Handy
Commissioner Handy was elected by the Superior Court of Riverside County in 2016. Her assignments have included family law, domestic violence, civil harassment, child support, adoptions, limited civil, unlawful detainer, traffic, and small claims cases. Here, Commissioner Handy shares a little bit about her time in family court and some of the ethical considerations particular to that assignment.
Please share your experience with family court.
I spent over five years on the family law bench covering all assignments, including child support and domestic violence matters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I presided over domestic violence court, which remained open for in-person proceedings even as other courts moved online. This created significant stress for everyone involved as we managed evolving emergency rules and health concerns amid rising case volumes. The increase in domestic violence filings added to the pressure. It was a deeply challenging time, but one that strengthened our resilience and commitment to justice.
Read the full interview.
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Family court judges in California hold uniquely challenging roles. They preside over cases involving the most intimate aspects of people’s lives—child custody, domestic violence, spousal support, and the dissolution of marriages. Emotions run high, and litigants are often self-represented, under extreme stress, and skeptical of the judicial process. These dynamics create fertile ground for ethical pitfalls. For judicial officers, awareness and proactive strategies are essential to avoid misconduct and maintain public trust in the judiciary.
In this article, we examine common ethical challenges faced by family law judges and offer practical tips for navigating them.
Managing Bias and the Appearance of Bias
Family law cases often involve repeat players: the same attorneys, custody evaluators, therapists, and even litigants. Judges may see the same parties multiple times over the years, particularly in high-conflict custody matters. Over time, a judge may form impressions—positive or negative—about certain litigants, lawyers, or professionals. However, the California Code of Judicial Ethics requires a judge to avoid not only actual bias but also the appearance of bias.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Introducing CJEO's Newset Member Judge D. Brett Bianco
CJEO congratulates and welcomes Judge D. Brett Bianco, who joined the committee this January. Judge Bianco has served on the Superior Court of Los Angeles County since 2017 and currently leads the court’s Juvenile Division (Dependency) as supervising judge.
Judge Bianco brings extensive experience in judicial ethics to CJEO. He previously chaired the Ethics Committee of the California Judges Association (CJA) and served as vice-chair of his court’s Ethics Review & Comment Committee. For over 20 years, Judge Bianco has taught judicial ethics to judges and attorneys across California. He has served as faculty for programs developed by the Center for Judicial Education and Resources, as well as for CJA and his court’s new judge orientation.
In addition to his ethics work, Judge Bianco is a member of the Judicial Council’s Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee. His contributions to CJA include serving on its executive board and as secretary/treasurer. He also participates on the legislative committee of the Juvenile Court Judges of California and is a member of the LGBT Judicial Officers of California and a former coeditor and ongoing contributor to The Bench magazine.
Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Bianco served as court counsel for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for 16 years. He began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and later worked as a senior associate at a municipal law firm.
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| SPECIAL THANKS TO NANCY BLACK
Nancy Black, committee counsel to CJEO, retired in April after 15 years of service. Here are some of the things the committee and court had to say about Ms. Black’s contribution:
"Over 15 years of dedicated service, Nancy Black has provided exemplary leadership for the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions. Her insightful guidance and expertise have helped the committee navigate complex ethical issues, ensuring that California’s judiciary continues to set an example for integrity, transparency, and accountability.”—Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero
“Nancy has been an invaluable leader for the committee, and her contributions over the years have been profound. Despite facing ongoing challenges, Nancy has managed our efforts with exceptional skill and determination. I am incredibly proud of CJEO, and it is a direct result of Nancy’s hard work, inspiration, and leadership. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence.”—Justice Ronald B. Robie, Chair
“I have had the distinct privilege of serving on CJEO from its inception and had the pleasure of working with Nancy Black, our committee counsel, for this entire time period. We, as a judicial branch, owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her guidance in the formation of our opinions. Judicial ethics is the bedrock of a judicial officer’s time on the bench. We thank Nancy for her dedication in service to us all—her insight was invaluable in making us all better judicial officers.”—Justice Douglas P. Miller, Vice-Chair
“You have brought your knowledge, dedication, and insights to every aspect of CJEO. You were steadfast through the pandemic years and funding shortages. You have made an enormous and lasting contribution to the integrity of the California judiciary.”—Justice Marla J. Miller
“You are the cornerstone in the creation and evolution of CJEO. You helped CJEO succeed and achieve the Chief’s vision.”—Judge Michael T. Garcia (Ret.)
Thank you, Nancy! We miss you already!
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CJEO committee meeting, July 2024. Back row from left: CJEO Attorney Sarah E. Andre, Justice Shama Mesiwala, Commissioner Belinda A. Handy, Justice Marla J. Miller, Judge George J. Abdallah (on screen), Justice Douglas P. Miller (on screen), Justice Justice Judith L. Haller (Ret.), Judge Robert J. Trentacosta, Judge Michael T. Garcia (Ret.), Judge Erica R. Yew. Front row from left: Judge Michelle Williams Court, Justice Ronald B. Robie, Judge Samantha P. Jessner, CJEO Attorney Jody M. Vakili.
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To speak with a judge on the CJA Judicial Ethics Committee for quick informal responses to questions about the Code of Judicial Ethics, judicial officers and candidates may call:
CJA Judicial Ethics Hotline: 916-239-4068
Toll free: 866-432-1CJA (1252)
Email: info@caljudges.org
Monday–Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m., excluding holidays
Please see the CJA website ethics hotline page for more information.
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Thank You to Our Readers from Our Members
Justice Ronald B. Robie (Chair), Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
Justice Douglas P. Miller (Vice-Chair), Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two
Judge George J. Abdallah, Jr., Superior Court of San Joaquin County
Judge D. Brett Bianco, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Judge Michael T. Garcia (Ret.), Superior Court of Sacramento County
Justice Judith L. Haller (Ret.), Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One
Commissioner Belinda A. Handy, Superior Court of Riverside County
Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
Justice Marla J. Miller, Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Two
Judge Robert J. Trentacosta, Superior Court of San Diego County
Judge Erica R. Yew, Superior Court of Santa Clara County
Jody M. Vakili, Chief Committee Counsel and Editor, The Source
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