Judge Paul W. Burmaster: A Trusted Jurist Offering Insights on Family Law in Kansas
Judge Paul W. Burmaster, the second most senior judge in the Family Division of the 10th Judicial District Court in Johnson County, Kansas, is a respected jurist and a dedicated advocate for families dealing with family law matters. Since taking on his role in July 2019, Judge Burmaster has become a valuable member of the Family Court, handling cases ranging from divorce and parentage to protection orders.
Before becoming a judge, Paul Burmaster honed his legal skills through a varied career in private practice and public service. With experience in criminal, civil, and juvenile law, he has a strong record of over 40 jury trials and numerous bench trials. As a lawyer, Burmaster handled a wide range of criminal cases, from DUI to First Degree Murder.
His commitment to justice and community involvement is evident in his roles as an Assistant City Prosecutor in Wichita, Kansas, an Assistant District Attorney in the 29th Judicial District, Wyandotte County, Kansas, and an Assistant City Prosecutor in Kansas City, Missouri. In these roles, he not only managed criminal cases but also answered questions from the public, represented the State in mental health commitment hearings, and maintained a busy schedule.
A proud graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law (Juris Doctorate, 1990) and the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas (Bachelor of Science, 1987), Judge Burmaster’s involvement extends beyond the courtroom. Active in legal associations such as the Johnson County Family Law Inn of Court, the Johnson County Bar Association, the Johnson County Bar Foundation, and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, he is not only a dedicated jurist but a committed member of the community.
In a recent interview, Judge Paul W. Burmaster discussed the important issue of Parental Alienation, offering valuable insights into the harmful effects and consequences of this phenomenon.
Parental Alienation, as described by Judge Burmaster, occurs when one parent, through words or actions, attempts to make their co-parent look bad in the eyes or ears of their children. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that children are not small adults, and hearing negative things about their parents can be very damaging.
Judge Burmaster explains that children love both their parents, so when one parent speaks negatively about the other, it creates confusion and a sense of loyalty for the child. This situation can lead to anxiety, stress, and long-term psychological harm, affecting the child’s ability to form healthy relationships as an adult.
He further notes that alienating behavior is the most common complaint from children, who end up holding the negativity against the alienating parent, ultimately leading to a strained relationship. By speaking poorly about the co-parent, the alienating parent risks losing their child’s love.
Judge Paul Burmaster provides clear guidance on what parents should avoid discussing with their children during divorce, including court hearings, adult topics involving the co-parent, and any form of “bad mouthing.” Instead, he encourages parents to let their children lead the conversation, asking about their day, interests, and encouraging open communication.
In addition to his role in family court, Judge Paul W. Burmaster emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules governing family court, stating that while court is not a game, it has rules crucial to the future of children and families. For those navigating family court, Judge Burmaster recommends consulting with an experienced family law attorney for guidance.
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