Can a judge reverse a ruling without both parties being present?

Question

After a judge rules that a certain person will be placed in jail for non-payment of child support payments, can the same judge reverse the ruling after the second party (victim) has already left?

Remember, the judge has already ruled that this individual is going to be placed in jail. Then the second party leaves after the ruling and then hears from a source that the judge changed his/her mind and decided not to place the person in jail.

Victim did not have a lawyer. Second party did.

Answer 1

there is generally no right to be around for the judge's decision once both parties have made their arguments. however, neither party is supposed to have what's called 'ex parte' communication with the judge and argue their side without the other party present if the judge is taking anything being argued into consideration for a ruling. call the court clerk and get a transcript or the minutes of the hearing if you can and see what happened.


"Remember, the judge has already ruled that this individual is going to be placed in jail. Then the second party leaves after the ruling and then hears from a source that the judge changed his/her mind and decided not to place the person in jail."

Hearing from a source is not going to be good enough. GET THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE HEARING OR THE COURT MINUTES TO SHOW WHAT HAPPENED IF THE 'VICTIM' WANTS TO CHALLENGE THE RULING BASED ON WHAT HE CLAIMS HAPPENED. Judges regularly change their minds during a hearing. It does not necessarily mean there was a "ruling" especially considering the person that believes that is what happened is not a lawyer and a layperson.

Answer 2

a judge can rule without a party being present. if that were not the case, people could just not show up to court to avoid a ruling being made. lol.

Answer 3

A judge can reverse himself if there is a valid ground.

Answer 4

Had the second party's attorney already left? If the attorney was still there, it is appropriate.