Letter: Family Court needs judges who are advocates of children

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1997 | 2:11 a.m.

In response to the Nov. 28 SUN article, "Three Family Court judges expected to jump ship," I find it ironic that the reports from judges and lawyers always praise Judge Steve Jones. Most of the complaints I receive from litigants are on Judge Jones. I couldn't be happier to see him get out of Family Court.

Judge Gerald Hardcastle states, "But we don't make bad people into good people. We just make decisions." That is true. Unfortunately, some judges make bad decisions with no rational or logic supporting them. Sometimes, as in my case, the law is ignored.

Lives are affected forever by these often-careless decisions. Stop blaming litigants for public disapproval of the system and take responsibility for yourselves. We look to the court to help resolve family disputes. If one cannot do that, then admit it and resign just as you are.

Litigants can be treated equally in Family Court. If the courts want to stick their noses in family business, then do so with care and follow up on the decisions you make, or stay out of our families.

Now what we need is some good candidates who are true advocates of families and children.

Al DiCicco, director Coalition For Family Court Reform