"The Robing Room: CA State Judges

Hon. Daphne Grace Sykes	See Rating Details
Judge Superior Court
Orange County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 3.4 - 6 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 2.0 - 10 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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General Rating Criteria

* Temperament		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness		(1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality		(1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Daphne Grace Sykes

Comments

Litigant

Comment #: CA38646
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I feel like she doesn't bother reading the filings. Is very clearly pro-dad but hasn't even read my response. His was literally just five pages of a completely false story with no evidence attached. I wrote a comprehensive response with 58 pages of evidence and her response was, "I don't have time for all this." and continued the case for four months.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA36752
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She has no knowledge about what she is doing. She doesn’t follow up her own mandates.
She gave my son to an heroin and alcoholic dad.

Litigant

Comment #: CA33525
Rating:5.0

Comments:
Judge Sykes is a nice lady. She seems like a caring woman. She sucks as a Judge. I have to file motion upon motion to get her attention to see basic conflicts in her rulings. Now I realize family judges have a lot of discretion but in matters of signed contracts like prenups she should go back to law school and read contract law all over again. Whew! In the end I will get Justice if I have to appeal but this will cost me a fortune and it is all unnecessary. Do all Judges get this much shade as I see here on The Robing Room? BTW thank god for this forum. Sykes cost me over 300Kjust in extra attorney fees and counting. Something must be done in the Judiciary to retrain her or have a panel of Judges review her rulings.....I git screwed that's all I know and it was not necessary. She could of done a better job to facilitate my case in a way that everyone could be content.

Litigant

Comment #: CA32490
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Judge Sykes helped facilitate the abuse and chaos my ex husband put myself and my children through for the last four years that ended with his death from a drug overdose. She ruled for my son to continue to live with his abusive and extremely mentally ill father when we began our divorce process and split him from his older and younger sisters. There was so much documented proof of inappropriate and damaging behavior and she kept giving him chance after chance. She gave him the power to continue having control over all of us and I’m not sure why she didn’t see what was clearly going on with my family. My ex husband was found unfit to care for my son last spring while living in Los Angeles county and was taken away. After years of bad mouthing, lying and brain washing from his father, My 14 year old son didn’t want to come back and live with myself and his sisters and for some reason DCFS let him, a child make that decision. It became a dependency case and he remains in foster care and was allowed visits with his father until last August when his father passed away. I still don’t have a connection with my son because judge Sykes was supposed to rule in the best interest of my children and that did not happen. She needs to pay better attention to the cases she’s assigned to, because we all deserve to be protected and guided by the law makers and law enforcers in this country. I truly believe that Judge Sykes lacks the common sense and discernment that a judge in family court requires. My kids have been through so much and it’s hard to witness the permanent damage done due to careless orders and judgements that had no rhyme or reason. Daphne Sykes needs to take her job seriously enough to realize the well being of the people involved in the cases she is assigned is in her hands. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s life has been negatively altered by this woman’s lack of care and attention to the family court cases in Orange County.

Other

Comment #: CA32339
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge has continued to give custody to an abuser. She has ruined my children's life and my life.

Litigant

Comment #: CA31636
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge hates other women. She does not take the time to read any documentation. Refuses to look at photos or videos of child abuse and will give the children to the father despite proof of abuse. She told me on record, “you married him so you should have known he was abusive”. She looks down at you, has no control over her court room and just wants to make a 50/50 ruling and move to the next case. She will continue and continue your case forever if she gets confused (which tends to happen often because she reads nothing and remembers nothing) and just hopes you work things out on your own. She’s known as the worst judge on the family court circuit and they can’t move her to another department because no other courts will take her.

Other

Comment #: CA31485
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I have provided ample evidence of my ex abusing my two sons to this judge. This evidence includes CPS being called several times by third party witnesses of my ex yelling and hitting my two sons, audio recordings of my ex verbally abusing my two sons, pictures of physical marks left on my two sons by my ex, personal journal accounts of my ex neglecting and emotionally and physically abusing my two sons and pictures of true environmental neglect and hoarding. I am a disabled firefighter that served with honor and will not lie about these issues. My two sons were being abused by my ex so I filed a divorce after years of marriage counseling which revealed that my ex is a victim of gang rape with significant emotional problems and has attempted suicide. During our marriage counseling my ex refused to agree to a fair divorce and told the counselors, doctors and I her primary motive in rejecting a divorce was that 'it would be too financially difficult' When I filed for divorce my ex made false claims committing perjury to this judge. My sons, home and several constitutional rights were maliciously taken by this judge. This judge gave full custody to my ex despite all these reasons to consider otherwise. After this judge gave full custody to my ex my two sons continue to visit me with physical marks from the hands of my ex with complaints of abuse. My heart sinks when I realize that this judge has placed my two sons in the custody of an abusive person. CPS and the police have been informed several times of the abuse from my ex that has continued after she received full custody and still this judge refuses to hear an opposing arguments leaving my two sons in the custody of an abusive parent. Does Gabriel Fernandez*** mean anything to anyone! Despite the perjury and abuse of my ex nothing has been done to protect my two sons. All I ask for is an unbiased review of ALL the evidence regarding my divorce filing and the true motive behind my filing for divorce and this judge has shown through her actions that she is incapable of doing such.

Other

Comment #: CA25796
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She should not be a Judge. She is Bias, she does not pay attention. Half the time it looks like she is sleeping then will all of a sudden sit up. My 3 year old granddaughter accused her new step dad of molesting her and Judge Sykes handed her back to the mother and step father saying we had no proof except her word. She then stripped my son of all visitation except for one day a week for 6 hours but he has to drive over an hour to pick her up. She only heard what she wanted. She did not care that my granddaughter was dirty every time she gets picked up. She has had head lice for months. We treat it then she has to go home. She is a terrible Judge. Hope no one has to go to her for help. You will not get it.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA25273
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Daphne Sykes is extremely bias. She does not follow the law and she actively chooses to ignore evidence. I can't list my entire story because it would be over a hundred pages long. I will state the facts. Judge Sykes dragged our case out for years. She cost my family thousands in unnecessary legal expenses. She refused to modify child support . I was the primary parent and by law I should have been receiving child support. Judge Sykes made sure that didn't happen and our child suffered for it. My child's mother was abusive towards my child and I. Judge Sykes refused to take any testimony regarding the abuse. Im not lying. These are the facts and it really hurt me to know she represents justice. In the end she was removed from my case. Fathers , mothers you have to be active in your case. If your judge isn't following the law they can be removed. Attorneys have a purpose but you have to be involved. If I didn't research the law to get a understanding of the system I would have lost my child to an abuser. If you are assigned judge Sykes recuse her immediately I don't say this with resentment ,I say it so you don't have to go through the stress and hardship I went through

Other

Comment #: CA25179
Rating:9.0

Comments:
I’ve been fighting my case been in front of her many times I was really disappointed a few times I really expected to get more time with my son quicker but she does know the laws and she listens and I love her animated facial expressions that another rudely commented on. I think she’s beautiful inside and out and she really knows what she is doing, more than me. She’s an excellent listener. The plaintiffs and respondents they don’t know/understand her reasoning but I pray and have faith before I go to court and I get new eyes to see her correctly and she gets eyes to see that I am a good mother. Attorneys they lie to their clients and pretend like they know a judge or “this judge does this” they are trying to get money, out fear in you and confidence in themselves. I’ll tell you this- she knows a lot more than she shows I read another comment “she doesn’t know what’s going on in the case” THATS what you’re seeing, maybe she’s acting like she doesn’t know for you’re benefit or maybe she knows and it’s just not what she wants to address or maybe she knows and she wants to hear it from you again and make sure it matches what you put down on paper b/c when someone speaks it aloud as oppose to writing it you can really “hear the truth” she’s a great judge the best Jesus would’ve only assigned me to the best. You just need to prioritize the things you want and never expect to get exactly what you want. She compromises. She may even be nicer to the more immature parent and a little more stern to the stronger parent but believe me this behavior is just a strategy to get the best outcome for everyone. I can’t say it again She’s smart and knows everything and isn’t bored lol (whoever wrote that isn’t intuitive or have a strong phycology sense) she’s so passionate about her job I don’t think she’s bored I think she reads every document probably more than once and writes notes and knows a lot more than she’s showing. This is from a mom that is still fighting for her son that wants 50 percent and had 45 percent just 1 extra day. Will I get it? Probably never. Did I “win” with her - no our emotions and wants are considered but then there’s logic and law and what’s best for the child. Every child needs their mother and Father equally in my opinion if they’re both not a huge danger to them. Every child

Other

Comment #: CA23626
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Sykes
I have now witnessed sheer incompetency. All the reviews echo my thoughts. Sykes can’t focus on what is being said in court not to mention has zero recall of previous rulings, appears board then perks up and has you repeating yourself. To Sykes comprehension means I don't give a dam and will just rule with no regards to any other findings or rulings(even my own) Let it be known!, I’m here to ruin someone’s life. I think she has a two sided coin she flips to see who wins. I witnessed this during my 1 minute of time,ne after numerous unnecessary court hearings prolonging things and due to scheduling good luck when you get your 1 minute without Sykes putting her hand up saying Stop!

Litigant

Comment #: CA20289
Rating:4.0

Comments:
I found that Judge Sykes does not follow her own rules and makes inconsistent rulings that are seemingly from different Judges. Does she have a staff that helps her because her rulings do not follow logic. She makes her rulings after she already settled a prior issue and then surprises everyone. This judge cost me a fortune because she prolonged the case and then made several rulings that conflicted and were inconsistent even after she asked to be provided with arguments regarding issues that she ultimately ruled on something completely different. I lost my confidence in the Judiciary due to this Judge. She has control in court except for her rulings make her seem ridiculous
I definitely think she has bias.

Litigant

Comment #: CA20080
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If you ever open a family law case, pray to god you do not get this judge. She will make you run in circles and drag out a court case. It has been FOUR years of fighting with my ex wife, I have full custody of my children, my ex wife has put NO effort into seeing them, contributing or being involved in general. Somehow this judge keeps giving in, giving ex more time, while she doesn’t use this time and is only emotionally damaging my children. Ex has made it her life goal to bleed me dry in court and judge Sykes is helping her do that. She refuses to look at actual evidence like other people have said, and goes based on the sob stories you tell her. You might as well lie to her, and as long as you cry, you’ll get your way. She does not care about the child’s best interest.

Other

Comment #: CA19821
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I'm not sure how this person is a judge. I'm a single father of twin girls. I've had to fight to get custody for the past 8 years. I now have 55% custody of them and legal custody over their schooling. But after going to court I can barely afford to live due to the fact the judge makes me pay so much in child support. My ex quit her job and filed claiming no income. I asked the judge to give her. A potential income which would be fair since she quit her job and filed. She denied the potential income leaving me having to pay a small fortune. Also my ex is married and has income. So while I'm broke having to work two jobs have sole custody of my daughters my ex is buying new cars living a cush life. It's crazy to think this is how the judicial system works. A good father struggling while a lazy person gets paid to do nothing. This judge doesnt think in the fairness of the children or the struggle she will cause the parents.

Other

Comment #: CA16056
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
She has no business being a judge. She cant not make any decisions to save her life. She can not manage her case load doesnt read the papers filed or look at any evidence. She goes off hear say and thats all.

Other

Comment #: CA13907
Rating:3.0

Comments:
Biased and fails to follow the law. Can be influenced by attorneys she know rather than listening to the facts or allowing testimony. Does not appear to do any legal research as to cases cited or read the applicable code section. Not a legal scholar.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA13005
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge lacks knowledge of the law and shows complete disregard for the integrity of the judiciary system.

Litigant

Comment #: CA11024
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Doesn't follow law nor help in pro litigants understand when they need that.

Litigant

Comment #: CA10568
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Horrible judge! Poor knowledge of family law! Bias! Rules as she pleases without looking at the evidence! Run! California Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.6 allows a party who timely files an “affidavit of prejudice” to disqualify a judge without any showing of cause. The affidavit of prejudice is not contestable and the disqualification of the judge is automatic. (CCP §170.6(a))

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA10451
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Scott has an even handed approach to family law, an excellent judicial demeanor, and a thoughtful approach. She listens - really listens - to evidence and argument. I have found her to be a very good judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA8237
Rating:6.2

Comments:
Lady Scott (as opposed to the other Scott in the building) is newer. Many do not like that she is unpredictable - however, I have found her decisions to be reasonable.

I like that I can sell her on a position by citing the proper authority - that is how it should be done..other than allowing the "family law clique" tell her how "everyone one else does it."

I have been before her 3 times. 2 were favorable; one result didn't make sense.

Other

Comment #: CA7900
Rating:2.0

Comments:
People normally comment when they are angry and rant about being treated unfairly. I would like to think I am not one of them but then again I suppose most people would feel that way. My opinion is Judge Scott seemed to judge more on personal opinion rather than the law. I am by no means an Attorney nor a law professor but from my laymans point of view. When refusing to listen to facts presented, now I don't mean hearing them then disagreeing, nor do I mean my opinion as a fact, I mean things that support an arguement, such as threats and documented examples of where the childs welfare is not tantamount. By refusing to hear those I am at a loss to understand the judicial system if Judge Scott is representitive of it.
Plenty of room on the i'm a Judge and I know everything table it seems, as conceitedness does not seem to be at rare levels, nor does it seem that Judge Scott hasn't feasted well while there.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA4857
Rating:1.1

Comments:
Judge Scott is simply confused. She makes crazy facial expressions. She doesn't judge based on the law. It's no wonder that she's earned the nickname "Judge Judy," which refers to the fact that she's a little like Jerry Springer, and a lot like Judge Judy.