This is common in CA too, apparently. When I was getting a divorce, a lawyer I consulted with gave me the background on the judge handling my case. Apparently

This is common in CA too, apparently. When I was getting a divorce, a lawyer I consulted with gave me the background on the judge handling my case. Apparently she was appointed by the governor to appease a particular voting block and as thanks for her activism work for that group. She knew nothing about family law but was given the job regardless. That situation is apparently quite common in family court since there is a high turnover rate. Judges often have to spend months being taught by the lawyers on the cases they're overseeing. Having your fate in the hands of these folks is absolutely terrifying.