EP 92 It's Not Normal

JudgeMental Podcast – Episode 92: "It's Not Normal"Join hosts Trey and Christine as they crack open a cold one — Three Floyds Gumball Head, an American wheat — and dive into some of the most talked-about cases in the JudgeMental community. From allegations of judicial impropriety to runaway third-party billing in family court, this episode covers it all with the signature candor you've come to expect.What We Cover in This Episode:The Bridgeman Case & Judge Lauren OgdenHugh and Christine revisit the ongoing controversy surrounding Judge Lauren Ogden and the "Bow Ties and Bourbon" fundraiser. A community poll shows 100% of respondents believe the judge is receiving kickbacks — a damning reflection of public perception. The hosts discuss what it means when a sitting judge attends a fundraiser at a litigant's home during active litigation, why the appearance of impropriety matters, and why the simplest solution — recusal — was never taken. Christine raises a pointed question: did Judge Ogden buy her ticket to the event, or was it given to her?Julie Resnick & Escalating GAL FeesA 13-year-old divorce case has come back into the spotlight, with allegations of over $30,000 in Guardian ad Litem (GAL) fees billed in fewer than four months — roughly 110 hours at an estimated rate of $275/hour. Hugh and Christine unpack what that billing pace actually looks like in practice, when high GAL fees can be justified, and when they signal something is deeply wrong. Christine calls on the legislature to require all third-party appointments — GALs, FOCs, parenting coordinators, custodial evaluators — to submit their bills into the public record. Accountability, not immunity.Children Removed Without a HearingPerhaps the most sobering segment of the episode: to their knowledge, neither party in the Bridgeman case has ever testified. A mother's children were removed at motion hour — without the parents present, without testimony, and without the judge ever seeing or hearing from the parties directly. Hugh and Christine discuss the abuse of discretion standard and ask: how can a judge exercise discretion without ever hearing from the people whose lives are being upended?The Human Cost of Family CourtThe hosts get personal, sharing their own experiences with parenting instincts, adolescent conflict, and the way family court can permanently damage relationships that would have otherwise survived. Christine reflects on her own upbringing and what might have happened if a court-appointed attorney had been in the picture at 15 or 16. Hugh talks about his experience practicing family law before and after having kids — and how that changed everything.Legislature: It's TimeHugh and Christine make a clear call: court-appointed professionals operate with government immunity and attorney-level billing rates. That combination demands accountability. Require billing transparency. Treat these appointments like government contracts. The system has drifted — it's time to pump the brakes.Stay Connected:Join the JudgeMental community and share your stories, reactions, and case tipsVisit us at judge-y.comFollow us on social: @JudgingthejudgesDownload the Judge-y app to stay up to date and engage with the communityLEGAL DISCLAIMERThe 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.