Hon. Terry Paul Bottinelli See Rating Details
Superior Court Judge
Superior Court
Passaic County
Vicinage 11
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Attorney Average Rating:   2.4 - 16 rating(s)
Non-Attorney Average Rating:   1.0 - 26 rating(s)
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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. Terry Paul Bottinelli


Comments


Litigant

Comment #: NJ4931
Rating:1.0
Comments:
This man is callous. He disregarded t he evidence and the record, and ruled in ways that had no basis in fact or in law. The arrogance must stem from knowing that the appellate process captures and addresses only a sliver of all cases and ends up in reversals. To have judges like him on the bench is a crime against litigants and a misdeed to society.

Other

Comment #: NJ4662
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
He sided with my abuser. I sent my docket to The Hague and foreign press. America is a joke.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ4357
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Very unfair judge. He didn’t give me a chance to speak, tell my side of story (the whole story) and didn't let me bring up more evidence. If i speak, he would make faces or disagree with me. He only focused on what my abuser said and know nothing about my side. At the end of the trial, he blamed me for what my abuser have done to me.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ4280
Rating:1.3
Comments:
Judge Botinelli shows clear bias and mysoginistic overtones in his style, language and demeanor. He makes statements that she he is not in touch with the multicultural community he is charged with overseeing. His time on the bench had harmed people and his retirement is indeed overdue.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ4271
Rating:1.6
Comments:
he hates women

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ3759
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Very unfair Judge you caught someone lying multiple times and Lawyers pointed to you very clearly on the final closing statement, and you still believe the person who lie statement and you role on the liar favor.

Your owner committed perjury is crime and you should address it and take it seriously!!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ3742
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Would give him zero stars if possible.
Judge Bottinelli does not read any paper work given to him. He made a terrible ruling from just supposedly reading our paperwork, and would not even let us be seen in person. My one in person dealing with him, I was respectful, and he was nasty and rude. Definitely does not like women, as many have stated. I only posted this now that my child is 21 as I was afraid of retaliation. Someone needs to investigate this judge. He is not mentally fit in my opinion.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ3722
Rating:1.0
Comments:
He was unpleasant, dictatorial and exhibited bias along with a disregard for the actual facts. He steered the record to ward a certain outcome and I would consider him malicious.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ3618
Rating:1.0
Comments:
he is really bad... maybe his clerk does all the work but a side is picked and facts you present is thrown out for the quickest easiest ruling for issues to keep coming back to the bs system that gives a damn about the kids best interest its the courts best money interest

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ3484
Rating:1.8
Comments:
One of the first comments Judge Bottinelli made when I appeared before him at a default divorce hearing was, "I did not read any of your papers." I was surprised he made that statement on the record. He clearly does not read any of the parties' submissions nor does he review the court file ahead of a hearing. A couple of times, he did not know why the parties were before him. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ3471
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Grossly incompetent. Allowed an unqualified professional to rebuke a court appointed psychiatrist. Need I say more.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ3265
Rating:1.0
Comments:
If I could rate this guy a zero, I would. He was nicer on earlier cases and like the flip of switch, he turned mean and arrogant. He didn’t even give me a chance to speak, believed a liar defendant who didn’t even bother to show up even though it was a mandatory hearing, and wouldn’t even glance at any of the proof I brought regarding my case. Total disregard for the child in the case. The father never shows up for court, never response to notices has not complied with divorce agreement but the judge feels like since I finally got full custody of my child what else do I want. He considers me to be bitter for asking for help even though I make more than the other party. Has not once issued anything to make him comply with the signed agreement. LADIES he is not for mothers and he is not for children.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ3174
Rating:1.8
Comments:
He literally is the worst judge ever! So unfair! Please switch judges if you can

Other

Comment #: NJ3096
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Cold hearted and dishonest. He is sexist, judgemental and he never has the best interest of the children like he states. He berated me in court and threatened to take my children away and took my husbands side at every court hearing. He doesn’t even want to hear what my lawyer has to say. He will always go against the woman, and he doesn’t care that I solely raised my children and they want to be with me or that I have no money to pay my legal fees. He has made such horrific rulings that make absolutely no sense and left my attorney as well as others I have consulted in complete shock!!! He absolutely must be taken off the stand immediately. He is a disgrace to Bergen county!

Other

Comment #: NJ2980
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I am not sure how Judge Bottinelli can look in the mirror let alone sleep at night. I personally watched him destroy a man's life emotionally and financially, to say nothing of the children in this case. It is very clear that he has his own agenda because "what is in the children's best interest" certainly did not apply here. Evidence is meaningless in his courtroom, he makes his decision based on whether he likes your attorney and/or you. The only words I have left are disgusting and disgraceful. I fear for anyone who has the misfortune to have their case heard before him. This man truly does not belong in family court, the stakes are way too high.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2927
Rating:1.0
Comments:
If I could rate this guy a zero, I would. He was nicer on earlier cases and like the flip of switch, he turned mean and arrogant. He didn’t even give me a chance to speak, believed a liar defendant who didn’t even bother to show up even though it was a mandatory hearing, and wouldn’t even glance at any of the proof I brought regarding my case. Total disregard for the child in the case. I left in tears, and called my case worker to discuss ending my child support order all together. I would rather pay the price of both parents on my own then be completely embarrassed belittled and mortified by this “dishonorable” man who has the power to make such big decisions regarding my daughter. As a hard working single mother making it work in Bergen County, sometimes working numberous jobs to make ends meet, I am embarrassed for Bergen County by this judge and his distasteful comments, particularly it seems to women. If you have an upcoming court date before Bottinelli, good luck!!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2908
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Botinelli is exactly what a Family Court Judge should be. He possesses the temperment, wisdom and patience for the bench. I wish we had more like him.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2895
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Nasty, impatient, short tempered, sarcastic, sexist

Other

Comment #: NJ2862
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Because of judge TERRY PAUL BOTTINELLI I’m not seeing my kids 2 years now. He is cold hearted man separated mother and children. I guess he just enjoy to see crying suffering devastated woman standing front of him.

Other

Comment #: NJ2802
Rating:1.0
Comments:
So sad how people claim to have best interest of the child but it is the last thing they do. I heard horror stories from others how children and being taken from loving good mothers and placed with abusers but I never thought I would be one of those people. This Judge did not look at any evidence and based his decision on my ex's word only which were lies and I had proof but of course once again my sociopathic ex wins and enjoys every minute of it. Apparently it is in the child's best interest to be with a role model who abused physically their mother in front of the children. Shame shame on you! I really wonder how some people sleep at night!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2796
Rating:1.0
Comments:
My experience with this judge was horrible. He was belittling and rude to both myself and my lawyer who he did not know, and clearly had a relationship with my ex's lawyer based on their banter before the "hearing" began. I say hearing in quotes because the judge already had his ruling made and was just using his position on the bench to berate and embarrass me. He "sited" many things from my sworn statements that he got factually wrong and would not let my lawyer correct the inconsistencies, and he allowed my ex husbands statements be the bases for "facts". He nastily said to me in court that I only filed for more child support because I was jealous that my ex makes so much money...really!! Because of him my ex thinks he holds absolute power over my son and I financially. Anything he did rule that was slightly in my sons favor my ex has now refused saying that the judge only "suggested" he could contribute more financially. This judges behavior towards me only reinforced my ex's nasty controlling behavior..what a circus. He seemed to love his absolute power in the courtroom and loved having power over women. If you get this judge please, please see if you can be reassigned.

Other

Comment #: NJ2787
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
my friend will see this judge next week, I hope to god that her attorney is liked by this judge. It is extremely sad that our children's well being is determine by this evil person!

Other

Comment #: NJ2703
Rating:2.0
Comments:
Before my hearing today I checked this website and the reviews for Judge Bottinelli. I was terrified because this will the 3rd judge I have seen for my family law case and the previous 2 were already lack luster. After listening to the cases before mine I was confident that the reviews were wrong. He seemed pleasant and jovial. I was hopeful he would finally be the judge to help me get my daughter out of harms way. Boy was I wrong. It's like a flip switched and Mr. Hyde came to play. As soon as we sat down I was berated. He would not listen to what I was trying to present or look at my evidence. He insulted me numerous times. He baited me to argue as if we were two people in the street. I am shocked that this man is in charge of the fate of children. I asked one question regarding child support and was told I had only filed because I was angry and wanted money from the defendant. Nothing was accomplished and now I am stuck seeing this man again in the future. I was told they are understaffed and he took time out of his busy schedule to see our case. The Bergen county judicial system is a disgrace and I can only pray that all of this suffering will not be in vain.

Other

Comment #: NJ2671
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge is bias for attorneys he has relationships with. He doesn't address the needs of the children in the family court yet claims to. His judgements will ultimately come down to how much he likes your legal adviser. If it turns out he hates your legal adviser then be prepared to have your papers overlooked, pay the other party's legal fees, and the heavy punishments possible for any claims against you. Punishments meant to be a last resort by the State will be used without hesitation if he favors the other legal adviser without warning or just cause. Be highly cautious if you receive this judge. He has an old school masculine mentality and is emotionally unstable when it comes to judgements. He is not however bias against any sexes from what I've witnessed.

Other

Comment #: NJ2629
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
A factual incompetent,bias to women, rude, and generally an ignorant man who should not be allowed to rule on lies about lives. He is arrogant, and unthoughtful in opinions. Please remove him from the bench asap as he harms others and does not belong where he is.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2544
Rating:1.3
Comments:
Judge Botinelli is sadly a disgrace to the bench. He is rude, obnoxious, arrogant and sexist. He has no compassion for litigants nor the lawyers who represent them. As an attorney for thirty years, I remain shocked that this judge is permitted to preside over family law cases. He is biased, sexist, and lazy--please Judge Mizdol, move him to landlord tenant.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2437
Rating:1.0
Comments:
The worst matrimonial judge I have appeared before. Belittles and demeans women litigants. it is clear that he has some serious issues. If you are a woman, I implore you to try and settle your case before you allow him to destroy your life! He should be removed from the bench from being biased and sexist. I don't understand how he is still sitting there based on all of the negative reviews.

Other

Comment #: NJ2349
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Yes I agree. It is clear the same person wrote exactly the same comment back in April. This is a sick, twisted man that needs to be removed from the bench! You are a sad individual for supporting him and posting false reviews! Bad karma!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2348
Rating:1.0
Comments:
The last commenter is so obviously a relative or friend. Just take a look at 90% of the reviews (there's maybe one other ridiculously fake, glowing one like the previous one) and you will see the real Terrible Terry.

This judge cares about one thing - his mouth - and using it to cut everyone down and to pontificate his poor judgment from the bench.

He doesn't read anything and he doesn't care at all about the children that he says he is sworn to protect. He's really good however at being obnoxious to lawyers and in making parents, and especially women's lives, miserable.

This judge is yet another embarrassment to our pathetic and badly broken joke of a justice system and it is high time to retire Terry and put him out to pasture where he can fertilize the fields with all the crap coming out of his mouth.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2345
Rating:10.0
Comments:
This is the most educated and fair judge I have encountered. He is only out for the children and is not biased against either party. He is fair to the fathers who only want the best for their children and work hard (multiple jobs) to try and support their family yet have a life of their own. He is thorough and does his homework. There should be more caring and educated judges like him on the bench. He sees through the games and nonsense that people bring to the table and quotes the law when making a fair decision. Very solid judge. The other judges should learn from this man.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2259
Rating:1.0
Comments:
This man is the worst judge I have appeared before in Family Court in my 20 years as an attorney. He has no respect for the litigants or attorneys. His demeanor is so appalling it seems surreal.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2256
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Worst Judge Ever!!! Very nasty, mean, horrible man. This man has no empathy. His decorum makes it evident that it is all a big joke to him. Beware if you are a woman because he is also extremely sexist. His behavior was completely abhorrent. It is sad that such a sexist person is sitting in this position of authority. It is also clear that men rule his world. He completely empowers bad fathers who refuse to comply/adhere to parenting plans. He will tell you and the kids to "suck it up" because clearly, the man can do whatever he wants whenever he wants with no consideration for the children at all. I implore you to try and get another judge to hear your case if you are a woman; otherwise you are destined to fail. He will not help you.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2222
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I am shocked and appalled that this man was appointed to the bench. He is the most unprofessional judge I have ever witnessed in 20 years of practice. He has no respect for the litigants or the attorneys in his courtroom. He is flippant and makes light of extremely serious family law issues. It is very unfortunate that he focuses on ripping attorneys to shreds regarding minor clerical issues rather than focusing on the real issues in the case. It's sad that even after all the bad reviews, nothing has been done and he continues to earn a six figure salary to sit around and criticize litigants for their alleged "bad parenting". Someone needs to punish him for his bad judgment, temperament and horridly rude behavior. He is an embarrassment to the Bergen County Bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ2221
Rating:2.0
Comments:
I went before this "condescending" a.h. just a few days ago. What took away from this experience is that this guy has very little knowledge about family law! Furthermore, this guy's behavior in court is amazing! I had never seen a judge who after entering a final order steps off the bench and hangs around the court room engaging in improper ex-parte conversations with parties; after stepping off the bench, this guy starts talking to you about issues he did not allow you to argue when he was on the bench! Without letting you argue your case and present evidence, this guy makes assuming remarks about you. He likes to show off his power and talk off the bench. His staff is very rude and make comments about your case before the "judge" has even heard it! This "judge" has a clerk named Judy who makes inappropriate comments about cases, like, her own opinion as to who is wrong and he is right! This crazy woman would ill advise you and make you waste time and money. Watch out for this judge! He lacks knowledge about family law! "Judge" Bottinelli is very unprofessional in his court room; expect anything from this family law ignorant!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2204
Rating:1.0
Comments:
The WORST judge I have ever appeared before in 20 years of practice. No respect for lawyers or the fact that clients have paid to have their cases argued. Allowed for little to no oral argument. Lazy, rude and argumentative. Not a lawyer's judge. I guess he forgot what it is like to have to explain to your client why the judge wouldn't listen to any of the arguments.
Sad state of affairs for the Bergen County Family Court!!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2203
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Worst judge ever! Did not red the papers despite putting case off for months. Not only was he unprepared, but he was also rude, nasty, and pompous to the litigants and the attorneys. A very close-minded, and sexist man. Shameful that he is a representative of the NJ court systems. It is a sad state of affairs that he passed muster before the judicial committee. He should be removed from the bench!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2199
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Embarrassment to the robe.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2197
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I agree with the last reviewer!! I was about to write the same exact thing. Judge Bottinelli is never prepared for any of his motions. He reads nothing. He prepares for nothing. Rather, he sits on his "throne" and screams and yells at everyone; including the lawyers. He is irrational and totally biased. I saw him high fiving a defendant in the hallway-- unprofessional and disgusting behavior. He needs to be moved out of family court ASAP!!! Rather than make decisions, he uses his power to make rude comments to the litigants. Horrendous and horrible

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2196
Rating:1.0
Comments:
OMG, the last review is so obviously from a relative or friend.

Read all the papers? Maybe the newspaper. He didn't read anything that was sent in days before our hearing.

He was soooooo rude to the lawyers, talking down to them, cutting them off, acting like he was the king of the castle.

But inreality is he's just another lawyer who had some political connections after doing someone a favor, and then he was anointed - oops, I mean appointed.

He clearly doesn't have the credentials to be a family court judge, after being an ambulance chasing attorney, and a small town judge, who ruled on such important issues as dog bites and moving violations.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2195
Rating:10.0
Comments:
He read every single page of all of the papers and even did his own research. Extremely well prepared and thoughtful. An excellent judge, we need more like him!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2188
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Epitome of condescension
Nasty. Rude. Impatient . Lazy. Obnoxious. Belligerent. Mean.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2184
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Worst judge ever!! Rude, lazy and stupid. Very bad combo in any area of the law; but especially in the arena of family court. It's a sin he's on the bench.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2182
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
needs some training in family law and the dynamics of dealing with high conflict family matters. If he is so worried about the best interests of the children---conduct an in camera interview. Very disappointed in his inability to address the issues. For a judge who is supposed to be concerned about the children, he did noting at all to help them. Very disappointing

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2181
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Pompous and rude to both attorneys and litigants. Condescending and impatient. Did not allow attorneys to speak. He should not be on the bench; in particular the Family Part. No sensitvity to crucial family issues. Disappointing....

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2180
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Should be removed from the bench; not cut out for this job. Showed no ability to reason. Acts like dictator. This is America not some third world country.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ2177
Rating:1.0
Comments:
His demeanor was very interruptive and disallowed for any true oral argument. Cut the attorneys off "at the knees". Not a lawyer's judge. Appeared angry and bitter.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2176
Rating:1.0
Comments:
He should be known as Terry the Terrible. He was critical and rude and utilizes his authority as a judge to dispense "parenting advice" rather than do his job. He is truly tyrannical. Terry the Terrible Tyrant.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2175
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
terrible judicial temperament. Very one-sided (for the man)
Mean-spirited; very nasty and rude despite dealing with issues of a very personal nature.

Sorry for anyone who has to appear before this man.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2174
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Terrible judge, no ability to reason at all. Flippant and rude. Very angry. He is also chauvinistic. Good luck to any woman/mother litigants. He makes personal verbal attacks on litigants and can do so because he is "the judge". Embarrassment to the legal profession. Shame on him!!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2173
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Disgraziano!!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2172
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Horrible excuse for a judge. Condescending, rude and very sexist. I filled for help with custody and he did nothing but make rude comments. He did nothing to help; this caused me to have to file a subsequent restraining order against my ex as I was in danger. He HATES women--if you are a woman, please avoid his courtroom at all costs as you will spend a lot of money and get no results. Disgraziano!

Litigant

Comment #: NJ2087
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Unethical - should be disbarred. Learn more here:

bit.ly/JonVersusTheJudge

Other

Comment #: NJ2062
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Staff is absolutely Incompetent. Scheduled our case which we were told by the Honorable did not need to be heard. Wasted a day off on a matter his law clerk fumbled.
Condescending attitude. Likes to hear himself talk. Don't need to hear his parenting advice.