VOTE411 Voter Guide

Justice requires not only the right decision making but, also prompt efficient and affordable resolution. I will reduce litigation costs for the parties before me by making my court "attorney friendly", which will allow them to efficiently move cases (while also being mindful not to rush them), hiring competent staff with a service-minded attitude who answer the phone and respond to emails promptly and substantively, being personally available and accessible during non-court business hours, and utilizing "Zoom" to conduct most hearings and trials while reserving in-court time for more complicated cases.

I also understand the diversity of Harris County, which is important so that ALL parties are treated equally and fairly under the law.

Current judges have abused their public trust, injuring families and the courts' reputation.

A majority of current judges don't follow the law in deciding cases, making Family Court unpredictable and risky.

One Judge has been in the Houston Chronicle and Greg Enos' Mongoose for taking a 9-month leave of absence while continuing to take her taxpayer funded salary. This has severely delayed justice and has resulted in huge litigation costs for the parties in her court.

Another Judge was elected with near-zero experience in Family Law cases. Most attorneys will say she hasn't improved at all in 8 years, resulting in decisions that endanger children & increase costs to litigants.

In each category, I will do the opposite if elected.

Currently, the 311th Family District Court has the lowest total number of pending cases since 2010.  We have eliminated the traditional docket call in favor of a more personalized check-in with our coordinator. This has proven to be more efficient and allows us to use our daily court time to actually hear cases. We also offer preferential settings, so that attorneys and litigants have the opportunity to adequately present their case on a calendared date that is chosen by them. This sets the expectation that the parties are prepared to present their case on this chosen date and eliminates the need for unnecessary continuances.

A pressing family court issue is ensuring that access to justice is adequate for those persons who do not speak English. Harris County is incredibly diverse. Not only do we have a high Spanish-speaking population, but we also have people who come before the court who speak several other languages.  If needed, the 311th assists with providing translators who speak a variety of languages; however, Harris County still needs more translators who are available.  People are already in a vulnerable position when they walk into court seeking a resolution on their family matter.  Not being able to understand the proceedings because of a language barrier should not be added to their vulnerability.