Remove Supervising Family Court Judge Julie Palafox

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the conduct and decisions of Judge Julie A. Palafox of the Orange County Superior Court, and to urge that her removal from the bench be considered.

Numerous public comments and firsthand accounts—including those published on reputable judicial review platforms—highlight troubling patterns in Judge Palafox’s courtroom. For example, on The Robing Room, where litigants and attorneys can share their experiences with California judges, several individuals have raised serious allegations against Judge Palafox (see The Robing Room: Judge Julie A. Palafox).

Among the most concerning claims is that Judge Palafox allegedly violated a litigant’s rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that she interrupted a court hearing to conduct an ex parte conversation with an unknown party before assigning a guardian ad litem to the litigant—an action that, according to the commenter, was unusual and raised questions about due process and impartiality. The guardian was reportedly instructed not to advocate for the litigant’s interests, further undermining confidence in the fairness of the proceedings.

Other accounts on the same review page describe a lack of transparency, inconsistent application of judicial procedures, and litigants feeling unheard or underserved. While Judge Palafox has been recognized for her efforts to streamline court processes, these positive actions do not negate the gravity of the complaints regarding due process and fair treatment.

Public trust in the judiciary is essential to the proper functioning of our legal system. When judges are alleged to have acted in ways that compromise impartiality, transparency, or respect for litigants’ rights—as documented in the referenced comments—it is critical that these concerns be thoroughly investigated.

I urge the appropriate authorities to review the allegations against Judge Julie A. Palafox, as detailed on The Robing Room and other relevant sources, and, if substantiated, to take action to remove her from the bench. The integrity of our justice system depends on holding judges to the highest standards of conduct.

Sincerely,
The People of Orange County, California