What a New Riverside Judge Means for Families

Most people give little thought to who sits on the Riverside County Superior Court until they have a case in front of it. This year, voters are choosing a new judge for an open seat on that bench. For spouses and parents with family law matters in the county, it helps to understand what that change can and cannot mean.

The Race for Judicial Seat No. 10

Seat No. 10 opened when Judge Harold Hopp retired. Three attorneys ran to replace him, each with a different background.

• Michelle Paradise spent more than 25 years with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and tried over 100 jury trials before moving into county administration.
• Andrea Garcia is a San Bernardino County deputy public defender who advises attorneys on how criminal convictions affect noncitizen clients.
• Jennifer Loflin runs her own criminal defense practice, takes indigent defense cases, and has volunteered as a Riverside County judge pro tem since October 2023.

Each candidate’s background and stated reasons for running were profiled by the Press-Enterprise ahead of the June 2 primary.

Where the Vote Stands

California judicial races are nonpartisan. A candidate who wins a majority in the primary takes the seat outright. If nobody does, the top two advance to the general election on Nov. 3.

Early returns reported by Patch showed Paradise ahead with 45.8 percent, Garcia at 35.3 percent, and Loflin at 18.9 percent. Those figures were posted while ballots were still being counted, so the certified count decides the seat.

Why This Matters for Family Law Cases

Superior court judges don’t only preside over criminal trials. The same court decides divorces, custody disputes, child and spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. A newly elected judge isn’t tied to one kind of case. Assignments are made by the presiding judge and shift over time, so a judge who spent decades in criminal court may eventually hear family law matters. A former prosecutor may view a restraining order request differently than a former public defender would. Neither outlook is improper. It’s simply something an experienced attorney accounts for when deciding how to present evidence.

Families in Temecula file in this same court. That is one reason to work with a Temecula, CA family lawyer who knows the local bench.

What Stays the Same

The law doesn’t change with the judge. Custody still turns on the child’s best interests. Community property is still divided under state rules, and child support still follows the statewide guideline.

If you have concerns about an assigned judge,Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 allows one peremptory challenge per side. The deadlines are short and strictly enforced.

Preparing Your Case Regardless of Who Presides

Solid preparation holds up in any courtroom. Organized financial records, a workable parenting plan, and clear goals carry weight no matter who presides, and a Temecula family lawyer can tell you what a particular department tends to expect.

Speak With Our Team

If you have a divorce, custody, or support matter in Riverside County, the attorneys at Schank Family Law can review your case and explain your options. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Temecula family lawyer.