CourtFraudChannel – PRINCESS LEAH OR LEGITIMATE JUDGE?

https://www.newsbreak.com/richard-luthmann-1792610/3634667717253-judge-setzen-s-divorce-court-controversy-delays-bias-and-financial-interests

Open in App
Local
Headlines
Election
Crime Map
Sports
Lifestyle
Education
Real Estate
Newsletter
Richard Luthmann
Judge Setzen’s Divorce Court Controversy: Delays, Bias, and Financial Interests
5 days ago
By Richard Luthmann
DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Leah Setzen is facing mounting scrutiny as questions swirl about her handling of divorce cases, particularly those involving real estate and high-stakes financial settlements. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2023, Setzen is now running for reelection, but her courtroom practices are drawing criticism, with accusations of delays, conflicts of interest, and rulings that seem to disproportionately favor one side—often at the expense of male litigants.

At the heart of the controversy is Setzen’s alleged tendency to drag out divorce cases when real estate is involved, leading some to wonder whether the delays are intentional. Critics suggest these drawn-out proceedings allow homes to be “harvested” and sold, with third-party interests benefiting from the extended timeline. This tactic, they argue, not only puts financial strain on the parties involved but also raises questions about whether Setzen’s former law firm, Sefton Kelly Family Law—formerly Grunyk Family Law—has any lingering influence over her rulings.

Conflict of Interest Allegations
Setzen’s prior association with Sefton Kelly Family Law has led to accusations that she may still have indirect ties to the firm, especially in cases involving real estate and property settlements. Before her judicial appointment, Setzen was a partner at the firm, which specialized in family law, making her no stranger to high-stakes divorce proceedings. Critics argue that her history with the firm could be influencing her decisions on the bench, particularly when it comes to selling off marital homes as part of divorce settlements.

The delays in these cases often result in significant financial burdens for the litigants, with homes sitting on the market for extended periods. Some believe that these delays benefit certain third parties—real estate agents, law firms, or others who stand to profit from the sale of marital property. This has led to speculation about whether Setzen is intentionally prolonging these cases to facilitate these transactions. Her courtroom practices have left many asking: Is Judge Setzen in on the scheme?

Exorbitant Child Support Rulings
In addition to the delays and potential conflicts of interest, male litigants in Setzen’s court are raising alarms over the extraordinary child support payments they’ve been ordered to make. Some have reported paying nearly a million dollars in child support, with little explanation for how these figures are determined. Critics accuse Setzen of setting unrealistically high support payments, often based on inflated or inaccurate income assessments. These rulings, they argue, disproportionately burden fathers, forcing them into financial hardship while benefiting their ex-spouses.

One litigant noted that there were frequent “backroom meetings” between Setzen and the lawyer representing his ex-wife, meetings that were allegedly not recorded or disclosed on the official court record. This has raised further concerns about transparency and fairness in her courtroom, with some suggesting that Setzen may be more aligned with the interests of one party—usually the ex-wife—than with ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for both sides.

The Democratic Party Machine
Setzen’s political connections are also under the microscope. Appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2023, she quickly became a key player in the DuPage County judiciary. Now, as she runs for reelection, some are questioning her close ties to the Illinois Democratic Party Machine. Setzen’s campaign is reportedly backed by powerful Democratic figures, fueling speculation that her political affiliations may influence her rulings.

Observers have noted the lack of male judges appointed to the court recently. Illinois Appellate Justice Mary Kaye O’Brien, who has significant sway in judicial appointments, has not appointed any male judges during Setzen’s time on the bench. This has raised questions about whether gender plays a role in judicial selection in DuPage County, with some suggesting that the court may be tilted toward appointing female judges, potentially skewing the fairness of the judicial process.

Real Estate Deals Under Scrutiny
The sale of marital homes during divorce proceedings in Setzen’s court has become a focal point for critics. They allege that the extended timelines for case resolution and questionable real estate deals raise serious concerns about whether the judge is turning a blind eye to potential improprieties. One father involved in a drawn-out divorce case claimed that the sale of his home seemed orchestrated to benefit parties outside the court rather than to divide assets between him and his ex-spouse fairly.

Setzen’s decisions in these cases have led to speculation about her involvement, with some wondering whether she stands to gain from the real estate transactions in her courtroom. The lack of transparency in handling these deals has only fueled further distrust.

The Road to Reelection
As Judge Leah Setzen campaigns for reelection, these allegations will likely follow her. Her critics are not holding back, questioning whether her courtroom practices are motivated by financial interests and political connections. For voters, the question is straightforward: Can Judge Setzen be trusted to deliver fair and impartial rulings, or are her ties to the Democratic Party Machine and former law firm clouding her judgment?

Setzen’s reelection bid may hinge on her ability to address these concerns head-on. As the election draws near, DuPage County voters will be watching closely to see how she responds to the growing scrutiny surrounding her courtroom conduct.

Richard Luthmann is a writer, commentator, and investigative reporter with degrees from Columbia University and the University of Miami. A transplanted New Yorker, Luthmann is a National Writers Union member and now living in Southwest Florida.

If you liked this article, please tell Newsbreak to support independent journalists by monetizing their work. Email: creators.monetization@newsbreak.com.

If you liked this article, please consider following me below or commenting. For tips or help, call 239-631-5957 or email richard.luthmann@protonmail.com.

3+

Comments / 6
Add a Comment
H Hopfinger
4d ago
and financial exploitation
Reply

2

pmoney
5d ago
Not one bit of fact cited. Just lots of rumors. I know nothing about this judge but this is a poor example of “investigative” journalism. No one wins in divorce court. Only the lawyers. Support orders are set based on income.
Reply(1)

0

View all comments
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Local News
Man Sentenced to 18 Months for PPP Loan Fraud
Tysonomo Multimedia
3 days ago
Woman Sentenced for $483K Amazon Fraud Scheme
Tysonomo Multimedia
4 days ago
Two Individuals Arrested on Drug Charges in Monroe County
Mississippi News Group
17 days ago
COVID-19 Treatment Recalled Nationwide Due to Serious Health Risk
Uncovering Florida
27 days ago
Assaulted by her cellmate in Tucson, a trans woman took the federal prisons to court
Arizona Luminaria
12 days ago
Concrete suppliers get prison time for bid-rigging in Savannah area
The Current GA
2 days ago
After More Than 70 Years, Major Hardware Brand Files for Bankruptcy
Akeena
3 days ago
Jury recommends life sentence for Clay County contractor
Jacksonville Today
4 days ago
Grand jury indicts Savannah policeman for 2022 murder of Saudi Lee
The Current GA
25 days ago
Beloved Discount Retailer Files for Bankruptcy, Set to Close All Stores in Florida and Other States
Akeena
4 days ago
Two accused of shooting 18 times at undercover detectives
Jacksonville Today
16 days ago
New law allows tenants to report on-time rent payments to help credit score
The HD Post
27 days ago
Charges Against Two Officers Involved in Mario Gonzalez Death Dismissed
Alameda Post
12 days ago
Tupelo Man Charged by Oxford PD with Molesting a Child
Mississippi News Group
10 days ago
The Tragic Last Days of Troubled Former Child Star Scotty Beckett (‘Our Gang’/’The Little Rascals’)
Herbie J Pilato
5 days ago
Major California retailer raises minimum wage to $19.25
The HD Post
10 days ago
Remembering the racial killing of Johnnie Mae Chappell
Jacksonville Today
18 days ago
Police Log, 10/7/2024
The Shenandoah (PA) Sentinel
13 days ago
Off-duty corrections officer killed in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Today
6 days ago
Alameda PostCast for October 18, 2024
Alameda Post
3 days ago
Letter to the editor: Matth Toebben urges citizens to vote ‘Yes’ on Amendment 2
Northern Kentucky Tribune
3 days ago
Class action filed against Neutrogena for falsely advertising makeup wipes as plant-based
The HD Post
2 days ago
Local Rescue Shares Positive Recovery Update About One Of Their “Most Heartbreaking Cases”
Dianna Carney
7 days ago
Stevie Nicks Urges U.S. Women: “Don’t Let Them Take Your Power” in the Ongoing Battle for Reproductive Freedom
Palm Springs Tribune
3 days ago
Math Puzzle for September 27, 2024
Alameda Post
24 days ago
Our Internal Clockwork
Alameda Post
8 hours ago
Opinion – Bill Straub: Blatant racism and bigotry should not pave the way to White House
Northern Kentucky Tribune
9 days ago
New CA law mandates clothing manufacturers recycle old clothes or face up to $50,000 per day fine
The HD Post
20 days ago
Opinion: Permanent supportive housing in Denver not a homeless shelter
David Heitz
28 days ago
Denver food stamp fraud: National problem as reimbursement ends
David Heitz
26 days ago
Comments / 0

About NewsBreak
About Us
Careers
Help Center
Contact
Press Room
Blog
Quick Links
Arizona News
California News
Florida News
Find My City
Partner With Us
Publishers
Advertisers
Contributors
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Don’t Sell My Info
Community Standards
Follow Us
©2024 NewsBreak. All Rights Reserved.