Complaint Review: Judge Megan Maher Brennan

I cannot provide full details for fear of reprisal, but I too was treated in an egregious manner by this judge who apparently feels that she is not bound by the doctrine of "the best interests of the child", the Michigan Court Rules or settled case law. As a direct result of her biased rulings, my family has suffered damage that most people could not fathom. Brennan, who does not have a family law background, has neither a solid grasp of the law nor the reasonable demeanor that should be a prerequisite for the bench. She regularly dispenses with due process (as she appears to decide in advance who she will favor--usually not the custodial parent), and she is known to impose harsh penalties (monetary and jail) that defy logic and justice. It is especially troubling that she is not interested in even substantial and documented abuse by some non-custodial parents or a failure to pay child support, but let the custodial parent make even one minor misstep and she is merciless. She appears to be very impressed with her own power, so much so that she allows her court officer to stand watch at the bar where he is allowed to verbally and physically intimidate attorneys and litigants alike. She was insulting, inappropriate, and ill-tempered every time I have been in front of her and it is interesting to note that she failed to mention or address the needs or stated wishes of my child. I am sorry to hear about the situation described by the other mom who posted her report here, and I would love to hear more. I have not been fortunate enough to have my case transferred to Judge Lombard, but I would like to know how you accomplished this. I strongly urge all others who have been similarly damaged to file a complaint with the Judicial Tenure Commission. This does not guarantee that anything will happen, but they tend to take it more seriously if they receive multiple complaints. Their phone number is (313) 875-5110, and you can go to their website at http://jtc.courts.mi.gov/. You may also consider writing to Gov. Granholm, as I believe that she should be concerned about her judicial appointments. I know that there are others out there who have been damaged by this judge, and I would love to hear from you and see your stories posted. This is the only way to address this dire situation.

Good Mom
Detroit, Michigan
U.S.A.