Family Court Judge Cindy Hendrickson Under Scrutiny for Alleged Bias and Conflicts of Interest
Court observer removed from Judge Cindy Hendrickson’s courtroom at Santa Clara County Superior Court on February 7, 2025. Photo by Susan Bassi, courtesy of Vanguard News Group.
Judge Cindy Hendrickson of Santa Clara County Superior Court has come under intense scrutiny after a court observer was evicted from her courtroom in a highly controversial incident. Allegations of political favoritism, undisclosed nonprofit ties, and conflicts of interest are at the heart of the scrutiny surrounding her actions in family court.
Eviction Sparks Allegations of Judicial Misconduct
On February 7, 2025, two women entered Judge Cindy Hendrickson’s courtroom and served a judicial disqualification motion that claimed political bias, undisclosed connections, and judicial misconduct. These claims stem from Hendrickson's connections to Nicole Ford (a divorce attorney) and WomenSV, a controversial nonprofit organization. Despite the motion, the women were evicted from the courtroom by Sheriff’s Deputies at the request of attorney Nicole Ford, a move that has raised serious concerns about the public's right to observe court proceedings and First Amendment violations.
Alleged Bias in Favor of One Parent
The motion also alleges that Judge Hendrickson demonstrated a pattern of bias toward the child’s mother, with claims of a personal and political relationship with Nicole Ford and the WomenSV nonprofit. The father in the case, whose custody rights were stripped, was subjected to supervised visitation costing $1,000 per week. Critics argue that the judge’s failure to disclose her ties to Ford and WomenSV led to an unfair decision that has harmed the child’s relationship with the father.
Judge Cindy Hendrickson (center) with members of Santa Clara County law enforcement. Photo courtesy of @CindyH4Judge on X (formerly Twitter).
Conflicts of Interest: WomenSV and Political Patronage
One of the core allegations against Judge Hendrickson is her failure to disclose her involvement with WomenSV, a nonprofit organization that has been accused of political patronage and influencing family court outcomes. Critics argue that Hendrickson’s involvement with Ford and WomenSV created a conflict of interest, particularly when the judge presided over a case involving supervised visitation for a father and the dismissal of serious child abuse charges against the mother.
Public records have uncovered Facebook posts and Venmo transactions that suggest personal connections between Deputy District Attorney Olivia Mendoza, the mother, and Nicole Ford, further raising questions about the fairness of the court’s decisions.
Left Photo: Deputy District Attorney Olivia Mendoza (right) with Nicole Ford’s client (center). Right: Venmo transaction records showing interactions between DDA Mendoza and Nicole Ford’s client. Source: DavisVanguard.org
Missing Court Minutes: A Lack of Transparency
Another significant issue in this case is the missing court minutes from the February 7, 2025, hearing, where Judge Hendrickson ordered the removal of observers. This lack of transparency has sparked widespread concern about the accountability of family court proceedings. Father's Advocacy Network emphasizes the need for clear documentation of courtroom actions, as missing minutes undermine the integrity of the judicial system and public trust in family court decisions.
The Need for Family Court Reform
Father’s Advocacy Network has long advocated for family court reform to address the potential for bias and undisclosed conflicts of interest in cases involving children and families. The allegations against Judge Cindy Hendrickson underscore the urgent need for greater transparency, accountability, and fairness in family courts across the country. Children’s rights should be protected in all court proceedings, and family court judges must be held to the highest standards of integrity.
A Call for Action: What Can Be Done?
As the investigation into Judge Hendrickson’s actions continues, the public must remain vigilant in demanding accountability from family court officials. Father’s Advocacy Network encourages all concerned citizens to get involved in supporting family court reform. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for change, we must work together to ensure that all children receive the fair treatment and protection they deserve in the legal system.
The Path Forward
The case of Judge Cindy Hendrickson serves as a stark reminder of the importance of family court reform. Father’s Advocacy Network will continue to follow this case closely, ensuring that those responsible for making life-altering decisions for families are held to the highest ethical standards. As new developments arise, we urge our supporters to stay informed and active in the push for justice for families and greater transparency in the family court system.
Call to Action:
If you are committed to supporting family court reform and ensuring that children and families have access to fair and transparent justice, consider donating to Father’s Advocacy Network. Together, we can advocate for lasting change and make sure that family courts operate with the highest level of integrity.
