As parents, we place our trust in the family court system to uphold fairness, impartiality, and the best interests of our children. Unfortunately, my experience with Magistrate John Pico in Trumbull County has shattered this trust.
Throughout my custody case, I encountered an alarming pattern of bias against fathers and disregard for due process that ultimately harmed my relationship with my son, Tanner.
A Magistrate’s Bias and Lack of Due Process
From the beginning, Magistrate Pico’s handling of my case was tainted by bias. In our first hearing for temporary custody orders, Pico listened to my ex-wife Rebecca’s requests and allegations without hesitation.
Despite her lack of evidence, he granted her sole custody, restricting my rights and visitation based solely on an unproven accusation.
When he asked what I wanted, I requested equal visitation time with Tanner—a fair, reasonable request given my strong relationship with my son. Pico’s reaction? He laughed, dismissing my request as if it were absurd. This moment encapsulated the issue: he chose to “play it safe” by siding with Rebecca without investigating further or considering Tanner’s best interests.
By prioritizing expediency over justice, Pico denied Tanner the chance to maintain a balanced, stable relationship with both parents. His actions went against the principles of fairness and impartiality, revealing a disregard for the very standards he’s sworn to uphold in Trumbull County Family Court.
An Unjust Financial Burden: Child Support Decisions
The unfairness extended beyond visitation. In calculating child support, Pico raised my obligations by reducing Rebecca’s income due to her other child, Eliana, for whom I have no legal responsibility.
Because Eliana’s father was absent and uninvolved, Pico adjusted Rebecca’s income downward, effectively requiring me to cover part of her financial responsibilities for another man’s child. This decision defies logic and fairness, punishing me financially for circumstances unrelated to my son’s well-being.
This financial burden affected my ability to support Tanner directly, as I was also covering many of Rebecca’s household expenses throughout our two-year custody battle.
The child support system in Trumbull County seems less about meeting a child’s actual needs and more about wealth redistribution, disproportionately penalizing fathers even when they actively seek involvement in their child’s life. This ruling underscored the need for reform in a system that penalizes responsible fathers and undermines their financial stability.
The Impact on Tanner’s Well-being
Tanner’s experience through this custody battle has been deeply affected by these biased rulings. Rebecca herself admitted in court that when Tanner returned to her home after visits with me, he’d act out, showing signs of emotional distress for several days.
This stark contrast in behavior illustrates the toll that an imbalanced custody arrangement can take on a child. When he’s with me, Tanner is calm, cooperative, and happy. His behavior highlights his need for consistent time with both parents—something the court’s temporary orders ignored for nearly two years.
Each time our visitation was increased, Tanner’s happiness was evident. He expressed excitement to spend more time with me, showing how deeply he valued our relationship despite the limitations placed upon it.
The court’s failure to acknowledge Tanner’s emotional needs and his repeated requests for more time with me is a glaring example of the consequences of judicial bias in family court.
Systemic Issues in Trumbull County Family Court
My experience with Magistrate Pico is, unfortunately, not unique. Other fathers in Trumbull County have shared similar stories of bias and disregard for their parental rights.
This pattern indicates a systemic issue within the county’s family court system that affects fathers and, most critically, harms children by preventing them from having balanced, supportive relationships with both parents.
The family court system needs an overhaul to ensure fair treatment and unbiased rulings for all parents. This includes implementing mandatory bias training for magistrates and GALs, establishing a review board for magistrates’ conduct, and creating accountability measures for GALs who fail to conduct thorough investigations. Reform is essential to protect children’s rights to have both parents actively involved in their lives.
A Call to Action for Fathers in Trumbull County
If you’re a father who’s faced similar treatment from Magistrate Pico or others within Trumbull County Family Court, I urge you to come forward and file a formal complaint with the Trumbull County Bar Association’s Grievance Committee.
Strength lies in numbers, and by documenting multiple incidents of misconduct, we can build a strong case for Pico’s removal from the bench.
How to File a Complaint:
- Gather Documentation: Keep records of all court communications, decisions, and any instances of dismissive or biased behavior.
- Submit a Written Complaint: Write a detailed account of your experience, citing specific incidents where judicial ethics were violated.
- Provide Evidence: Attach any documentation, such as court transcripts or notes from hearings, that can substantiate your claims.
By sharing our experiences and filing complaints, we can drive the momentum for accountability and fair treatment in Trumbull County Family Court.
Why This Matters: Protecting Children’s Rights and Well-being
This issue isn’t just about fathers’ rights—it’s about protecting children from the psychological harm caused by judicial bias. Research shows that children thrive when they have active, loving relationships with both parents.
When a father’s rights are restricted without evidence of unfitness, it deprives the child of a valuable, secure relationship and causes lasting trauma.
Gender bias and favoritism in family court cases have no place in a system meant to protect children.
It’s time for reform in Trumbull County and across family courts everywhere. Judicial misconduct that separates children from fit, loving parents based on biased assumptions is unacceptable.
Our children deserve a fair, impartial system that prioritizes their well-being above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes judicial misconduct?
Judicial misconduct includes violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, such as failing to remain impartial, showing prejudicial actions, or bringing disrepute to the judiciary. In this case, Magistrate Pico’s dismissive and biased handling of a reasonable request for equal visitation time qualifies as misconduct.
How can I file a formal complaint against a magistrate?
Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Trumbull County Bar Association’s Grievance Committee. Be specific in detailing your allegations, citing examples, and providing any evidence that supports your claims.
What are typical grounds for removing a magistrate?
Magistrates can be removed for misconduct, repeated failure to perform their duties, or conduct that brings disrepute to the judiciary. A documented pattern of bias, as seen in this case, could warrant removal.
Why is equal co-parenting so important for child development?
Research shows that children benefit from strong relationships with both parents, which contribute to their sense of security and well-being. Bias that limits these relationships can have negative long-term effects on a child’s psychological health.
The Need for Reform and Accountability
It’s time to hold Magistrate John Pico accountable for his pattern of bias against fathers that has persisted for far too long. No parent should lose their rights without due process.
No child should be deprived of a fit, loving parent based on biased assumptions rather than evidence. And no court official should be allowed to remain in power when they consistently violate judicial ethics.
Share this post widely and contact your local representatives to advocate for Pico’s removal and much-needed family court reforms. Fathers’ rights are human rights, and our children’s well-being depends on a fair, impartial system that prioritizes their best interests. We cannot accept anything less.