Finally, at the end of the procedings Commissioner Weiss made a decision to award custody to father. She told mother,

“There’s no question that you love your children and you would run in front of a bus to save them, the trouble is you don’t see the bus coming.”

Although judges /commissioners are supposed to be neutral in custody disputes between mothers and fathers, it was a difficult decision to take children away from their mother. Plus the children were moved in the middle of the school year from LA to OC.

Weiss ordered 1 year weekly family therapy. Shortly after the change in custody, mother got 2 DUI arrests while trying to pick up the kids. Father filed to eliminate over- night visits until mother went to rehab. Commission Weiss allowed mother to continue visitation with a breathlizer program. Somehow Commission Weiss finds a “safe” way for the children to visit their mother.

Now, all 4 children are thriving. Father has almost 100% custody (mother has no driver’s license and see’s the children rarely). Father out of money, no resources to hire an attorney, caring for 4 children, working full-time stopped paying his court ordered child support and spousal support to mother in Oct 2008 so he could meet the obligations of his children.

Commissioner Weiss did an excellent job on the case. She was favorable to both mother and father. I only wish the courts weren’t so crowded in LA and more time could be spent helping those representing themselves -

Sadly, I was separated from my daughter for nearly 4 years, and she was living in an environment which was unstable, unhappy, and unhealthy at best.

In 2003, Susan Weiss appointed as my daughter’s attorney. She displayed a perfect balance of compassion, neutrality, and professionalism at all times, and seemingly fought for my daughter’s rights and best interests as though she were advocating on behalf of her own child.

On September 15, 2003, Susan Weiss delivered her report and recommendations to the Court, and both my life and the life of my daughter were changed forever when I finally brought my daughter home.

I never imagined that one person could take control of a courtroom as Susan Weiss did or make such an impact in the life of a child. Mere words alone cannot possibly express my gratitude.

It is my opinion that Susan Weiss more than earned her Commission. If she puts even half of the effort forth as a Commissioner as she did as a child advocate, she will always remain an asset.

– JSB, Florida