CONTACT:

Joe Ureneck, Chair, 857 350-0575
Patrick McCabe, Co-Chair, 617 512 9460
Peter Hill, Spokesperson, 781 772-2500

PRESS RELEASE

THE FATHERHOOD COALITION REJECTS APPOINTMENT
OF JUDGE ORDONEZ AS CHIEF
OF MASSACHUSETTS PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT

The Fatherhood Coalition, an all volunteer not-for-profit organization of men and women, advocates for the fair and impartial administration of justice by our courts. We advocate particularly for the constitutional and statutory rights and liberties of parents and look forward to the day when our courts and those individuals honored with serving therein will do the same.

The Fatherhood Coalition believes that each court appointment must represent a step away from bias and discrimination and forward towards equality. In announcing her appointment of Justice Angela Ordonez as Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Courts as of July 16 the new Chief Justice of the Trial Courts Paula Carey instead delivered a slap in the face to litigants who appear in Probate and Family Court.

In contrast to Justice Carey’s claim that “Judge Ordonez has a strong background and reputation for treating people with dignity and equality” the records show that Judge Ordonez has had numerous complaints filed against her while serving as a Justice in the Probate and Family Court. The large number of complaints revealed to have been filed against Justice Ordonez at a hearing in 2008 are apparently regarded by Justice Carey as one of Judge Ordonez’s most unique “qualifications”.

Our courts cannot be seen as properly functioning until the fundamental rights of all litigants are recognized. Currently, bias and
discrimination against litigants, especially men and fathers, is rampant in the Probate and Family Courts. This is clearly reflected in studies
showing some 90% of all custody disputes in Probate and Family Court result in sole physical custody being awarded to one parent, principally the mother.

Given her history of bias, we have no doubt that Justice Ordonez will continue to promote even more brazen judicial actions against men and fathers. Her recent behavior witnessed by The Fatherhood Coalition indicate a disgraceful and destructive pattern of removing children from their fathers and a hostile attitude towards those who wish to financially provide for them. These actions are almost certain to continue under her charge as Chief of the Probate and Family Court.

Judge Ordonez’s open display of bias represents the antithesis of the concept to which we should all aspire - equality.

We encourage all individuals and organizations to join with The Fatherhood Coalition and reject Judge Ordonez’s appointment.

END PRESS RELEASE