Episode 60

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Published on:

29th Dec 2025

EP 60 Cry for Help

JudgeMental Podcast – Episode 60: Cry For Help

In this episode, Christine and Hugh return from a holiday break to dive into the latest developments and ongoing challenges in family court. They discuss a powerful social media post from a young person affected by the system, the persistent lack of accountability among judges, and the complex role of GALs (Guardians ad Litem) and FOCs (Friend of the Court). The hosts debate whether family court reform could become a major political issue, reflect on the isolation and internal politics of the judiciary, and share personal experiences from their legal practices.

Key topics include:

The emotional impact of family court decisions on children and families

The barriers preventing children from being heard directly by judges

The problematic reliance on GALs and FOCs, and the lack of oversight

The high financial and emotional costs of custody evaluations

The need for greater transparency, accountability, and reform in the system

Audience feedback: Should the podcast feature stories from adults who experienced divorce as children?

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.

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About the Podcast

The JudgeMental Podcast
From the Creators of Judge-y
The JudgeMental Podcast features two attorneys, Hugh and Christine, who bring over three decades of combined litigation experience to the mic. Now venturing into a bold new initiative—"Judge-y", a website and soon-to-be app—they aim to give lawyers and litigants a platform to evaluate judges and promote accountability within the judiciary.

About your host

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Hugh Barrow