HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0484.011 2020-2022 Comm.qgq
From: Dan Pitkow
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2021 1:24 PM
To: Council Testimony COUNTY CLERK
Cc: Araceley, Relley COUNTY of I'I
Subject: Comment, Resolution 259-21RECEIVED
Time 1:2u �?.K.
Dates Nov 0 3 2021
Dear Council:
I am an entrepreneur and attorney licensed in Pennsylvania. I was employed by a Philadelphia litigation
firm where we, in part, prosecuted 42 USC 1983 claims against state and local governmental entities. I
write in support of 259-21.
Last year a friend began relaying her experience in the Third Circuit Family Court. I reviewed the
pleadings, docket and rulings. I then was introduced to other litigants having similar problems. My
limited and unscientific review leads me to the following impressions:
1) In some cases, the Third Circuit is not applying 571-46 correctly. In many cases, it is mandating
predecree 50/50 physical and legal custody without any findings of fact of the historical or current primary
caretaker. This does not refelct reality in most cases, and increases conflict in the divorce for several
reasons. The Courts are also not requiring a showing of good cause to change custody. As a result, litigants
are able to manipuate process for strategic advantage;
2) Local attrneys are not holding each other acocuntable. I am aware of three local attorneys who literally
re-wrote the Judges Order. This is not only unethical, it should be considered criminal perjury;
3) Judges have zero docket management. As a result,litigation is needlessly prolonged.
I am preparing a more comprehensive document with specific suggestions for judicial reform that
implement techniques used in other jurisdictions, as well as some novel ideas. I will present this to Mayor
Roth's Office, as well as legislators on the respective Judiciary Committees.
I encourage the passage of the resilution but encourage the County to work with the other Counties and the
Judiciary to implement meaning prodecural reform for the purpose of reducing cost to taxpayers and
litigants alike, and improve the delivery of judicial services.
Otherwise, unethical attorneys will continue to exploit antiquated procedure, essentially converting the
Judiciary into an agent of abuse and coercive control, on behalf of their toxic and disordered clients.
regards,
Dan Pitkow
Co m' o
Ref. To: pVALf
Ref. tete lOV m 3 2021
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