What if Your Family Law Judge in Orlando Is Biased?

In 2025, four angry mothers filed a joint complaint against a judge in Florida, accusing him of gender bias. In 2026, another judge in Florida faced formal misconduct charges after being accused of judicial ethics violations. If you’re approaching a divorce in Orlando, how do you know whether your judge is going to be reliable or neutral?

Can I “Disqualify” My Divorce Judge in Orlando?

It is theoretically possible to file a motion for disqualification if you believe that there is something wrong with your divorce judge. Common reasons for disqualification include conflicts of interest, prejudice, or bias. A conflict of interest might include some kind of financial or personal relationship with one of the parties.

If you can establish that your judge has a clear bias against you because of factors you cannot control, this may also support a disqualification. For example, you or your lawyer might have discovered a written or verbal statement by your lawyer that suggests that they have already decided the outcome of the case. Past decisions that show a clear preference for a specific gender may also lead to disqualification.

It Makes More Sense to Avoid Litigation in the First Place

If you’re concerned about a biased judge, it probably makes more sense to ensure they never have a say in your divorce at all. You can do this by choosing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and negotiating with your ex in private.

When you choose this option, you and your ex can mutually agree on a mediator or arbitrator to help you negotiate. Unlike the normal courtroom process, you actually have a say in who plays this role. An arbitrator functions in much the same way as a judge, but you and your ex can search for a candidate that you both feel is truly neutral and unbiased.

You might also consider collaborative law, which does away with arbitrators or mediators altogether. Instead, you’ll sit at the negotiation table alongside collaborative divorce lawyers who guide you and your ex toward mutually beneficial outcomes.

ADR gives you more control and flexibility than litigation. You and your ex may not see eye to eye, but you may both be equally concerned about handing over control to a judge who knows next to nothing about your unique family circumstances. Because of this, many spouses agree to engage in ADR even if their breakup is highly contentious.

Can a Divorce Lawyer in Orlando Help Me? 

If you believe that your judge is biased or unethical, you may be able to request a different judge. An experienced Orlando divorce lawyer could potentially help with this process. That being said, it probably makes more sense to avoid the courtroom altogether by choosing alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Consider these options in more detail during a conversation with Steve Marsee, P.A.

Sources:

 floridabulldog.org/2025/02/judge-shull-palm-beach-family-court-slammed-gender-bias/

firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/duval-county-judge-eric-roberson-canons-violations-notice-of-formal-charges/77-fc89b562-3b19-42e8-a61d-c014e568357d