Private Judging

ADZ Law is proud to announce that retired San Mateo County Superior Court Commissioner and founding partner Lauren Zorfas has returned to ADZ Law as a private judge, expanding our services in that regard. With her unparalleled depth of experience in family law, background and experience in mediation, and tenure as a Court Commissioner at the San Mateo Superior Court, the Honorable Lauren Zorfas helps parties resolve disputes and reach resolutions expeditiously, allowing them the dignity and grace to resolve their matter in a private and personal setting.

What Is a Private Judge?

Private judging is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Under Article VI § 21 of the California Constitution, as amended in 1966 provides that, “on stipulation of the parties litigant the court may order a cause to be tried by a temporary judge who is a member of the State Bar, sworn and empowered to act until final determination of the cause.”

This provision means that as long as the parties agree, a licensed attorney may preside over their case and act as their judge. The judge appointed by the parties, sometimes called a Judge Pro Tempore may make all the decisions that a judge sitting in a courtroom could make, but the proceedings may take place in a setting outside of the courtroom.

What Is the Benefit of a Private Judge?

A private judge offers you the ability to expedite the resolution of your family law matter, rather than submitting your case to the overloaded courts. Instead of waiting for the court to schedule a hearing among hundreds of other cases, a private judge offers greater accessibility and efficiency by deciding on a manageable caseload, ensuring quicker resolution of disputes.

A private judge offers parties the ease and comfort of a less formal proceeding and an element of privacy that the public courts cannot. Hearings often are held virtually or in the privacy of the judge’s office. Hearings, moreover, are conducted informally, allowing the parties to be heard without the need for formal testimony in a courtroom.

Why Pay for a Private Judge When the Court System is Free?

While a private judge comes with a fee, it can ultimately save you money. You still pay your attorney for preparing court filings and attending court sessions, even if your case is called last. The private judging process is less formal and offers greater availability, often resolving issues with a simple conference call or video conference, rather than through a series of lengthy legal briefs and a formal hearing. Additionally, a private judge can work closely with counsel to narrow down issues, ensuring that time spent with the judge is used efficiently and effectively. This streamlined approach often leads to faster resolutions, saving both time and legal expenses.

Why Use the Honorable Lauren Zorfas (retired) as a Private Judge?

Commissioner Lauren Zorfas brings over 20 years of experience in family law and civil litigation. Recently retired from the San Mateo County Superior Court, she presided over a wide range of cases, including child custody, visitation, property division, spousal support, and domestic violence matters. Commissioner Zorfas attended the prestigious Straus Institute at Pepperdine for mediation training and has successfully mediated hundreds of family matters. With her extensive background in representing family law clients, she understands the emotional stress involved in the family law process and applies the law with sensitivity and fairness. Her expertise and empathetic approach make her an excellent choice as a private judge.

Commissioner Zorfas and ADZ Law are pleased to offer private judging services to assist families facing complex legal issues with compassion, humility, and neutrality.

Do You Provide Other Services in Addition to Private Judging?

Yes, in addition to her Private Judging cases, Commissioner Lauren Zorfas also presides over the following matters:

• Mediation: As a mediator, Commissioner Zorfas helps parties reach mutually agreeable solutions on their entire case, or specific issues.
• Special Master: As a special master Commissioner Zorfas provides orders or guidance over specific issues.
• Parent Coordination: By agreement of the parties, Commissioner Zorfas can serve as a Parent Coordinator to work with parents to resolve conflicts and create a parenting plan that will be in the best interests of the child and take each parent’s concerns into account.
• Neutral Case Evaluator: As a result of Commissioner Zorfas’ extensive knowledge and experience both on and off the bench, she also serves as a Neutral Case Evaluator, giving counsel a preview of what an indicated ruling might be, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the case. (Note: To maintain neutrality, the evaluation is always provided to both sides.)

Commissioner Zorfas offers services to both represented and unrepresented parties.