Judge Paul Burmaster Emphasizes the Importance of Effective Communication in Family Court Cases

Judge Paul Burmaster, a District Court Judge in the Johnson County Kansas District Court, emphasizes the paramount importance of communication in family law cases. He presides over divorce cases, parentage cases, and protection order cases in the Family Law division of the court.

While various methods of communication exist, from texting to email and phone calls, navigating effective communication in family court cases presents unique challenges. Judge Burmaster stresses that “proper communication is absolutely vital in family law cases,” but clarifies that not all communication is appropriate, highlighting potential complexities.

He emphasizes that litigants should never directly email the judge or include them in emails to others. Judge Burmaster should only receive information about the case through official channels like motions, court arguments, testimony, and court-ordered reports. Contact with his administrative assistant should be limited to scheduling hearings or reviewing reports when permitted. Neither the assistant nor Judge Burmaster can provide legal advice.

Parties are encouraged to communicate with their own counsel or opposing counsel via email, but should refrain from negotiating the case via email if they are represented by an attorney, as this is the responsibility of their legal representative. Open communication about ongoing parenting issues is crucial for the children’s best interests, unless restricted by a court order such as a “no contact” order due to a criminal case, protection order, or other reasons.

Some communication may be subject to court limitations. For instance, the court may order parties to communicate only about parenting matters or restrict communication to specific apps, like Our Family Wizard, allowing monitoring and evaluation of interactions.

Despite the complexities, Judge Burmaster reiterates the vital nature of communication, stating that “cases may languish for months or even years if counsel and parties don’t communicate.” He proposes mediation as a valuable tool for resolving communication roadblocks. Mediation provides a less formal setting for parties to openly discuss issues, potentially leading to quicker and more cost-effective resolutions.

In instances of particularly poor communication, the court may order co-parenting therapy. Judge Burmaster highlights the effectiveness of this therapy in addressing communication dysfunction among parents. Many parents, he shares, express regret for not seeking this therapy earlier, and some have even reconciled and dismissed their divorce cases after finding common ground through co-parenting therapy.

Judge Burmaster emphasizes the enduring significance of proper communication, both during and after legal proceedings, for the well-being of families. He emphasizes the importance of parents working collaboratively and communicating in a friendly manner, always prioritizing their children’s needs. “They can’t do that unless they communicate,” he asserts, urging parents to work together, communicate constructively, and place their children’s interests above all else.

As the second most senior judge in the Johnson County Kansas District Court’s Family Law department, Judge Burmaster brings extensive experience and unwavering commitment to children’s welfare to family law cases in Kansas.