"The Robing Room: CA State Judges

Hon. Steve Cochran	See Rating Details
Judge Superior Court
Los Angeles County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 1.6 - 2 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 2.0 - 18 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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General Rating Criteria

* Temperament		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness		(1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality		(1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Steve Cochran

Comments

Other

Comment #: CA55031
Rating:9.0

Comments:
I had this judge for years over my child custody battle. I could not stand him. However, I will say this man set me up for success and did what was in the best interest of my daughter. My kids other parent filed a bogus restraining order on me for physical abuse. The physical abuse was thrown out by the judge however he got me for verbal abuse because I made fun of the other parent. That alone could have been enough to cancel my relationship with my daughter. However, he felt the other parent provoked the situation and found her to be verbally abusive as well. He made an order to allow her to have a restraining order, but he still made sure I kept 50/50 physical and legal. I hated this man for years, but I need to say he looked all the way out for my daughter and for that I owe him the biggest thank you. You don't always understand stuff in the moment, but sometimes you can truly understand in the long run! Just be honest and don't try to play him. He will ask questions and will make his rulings based on that.

Litigant

Comment #: CA52625
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If you have had Judge Steve Cochran preside at your hearing, and his demeanor with you was poor (e.g., making comments and/or gestures that we’re discourteous and undignified), then you can file a complaint with the State of California Commission on Judicial Performance. To report judicial misconduct, you can go to www.cjp.ca.gov and file a complaint online, or print out a complaint form and mail to:
Commission on Judicial Performance
355 Giordano Gate Avenue, Suite 14400
San Francisco, CA 94102

Litigant

Comment #: CA51442
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I understand most of the comments here might attempt to discredit Judge Cochran, but they are far from the truth.
I stood before the Judge, being self represented was an obstacle in itself and as a father having failed to obtain a just order of shared custody I was expecting a long battle with a new judge.
If you pay attention to the Judge’s hearings you will find that they are fair, respectful, and just to both parties. That is, if you go into his courtroom without restraint, decorum, or justifiable proof of your claims than you are not a parent working in the best interest of your child.
Judge Cochran, clearly makes parents understand that the responsibility of the child is placed on BOTH PARENTS, so if you are not open to allowing your child equal access to the other parent then you have already failed your child.
Word of advice don’t go into his courtroom with a “me-me-me” “my child” attitude because Judge Cochran will tell you “it’s not about you it’s about the child.”
Judge Cochran is doing the right thing for families, and I could not be happier to have had him rule in my case.

I wish Judge Cochran long success and thank him from the bottom of my heart.

Other

Comment #: CA49047
Rating:1.0

Comments:
My name is Jyllian Siegel. My case number is BD538075.

Judge Steven Cochran (Department 63 at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse) presided over a contempt hearing on November 16, 2022, and a child custody and support modification hearing on March 24, 2023. I am self-represented and a single mother. His behavior towards me at both hearings was abusive and improper.

I filed for contempt due to the other parent violating several provisions in the court order and misrepresenting their income on their financial disclosures. Judge Cochran chastised me at the November 16, 2022 contempt hearing and asked me: “Do you want him to go to jail? I answered that I wanted the other parent to follow the orders and to be held accountable. The judge exclaimed in a scathing tone of voice that contempt wasn’t the route to go, and coerced me to drop it.

During the modification hearing, Judge Cochran’s demeanor toward me was scornful. He rolled his eyes at me repeatedly and shook his head signaling condemnation throughout the hearings. He told me that I was angry and unreasonable.

I requested the Court to modify physical custody to accommodate the child’s needs. However, the judge didn’t see an issue with the 90 mile round trip commute the child has had to endure when traveling from the other parent’s residence to school and back. It’s a grueling 3 hours drive which has negatively impacted the child. Meanwhile, I live only 15 minutes away from school and I also work at the same school. Judge Cochran also didn’t find a problem with the other parent regularly giving their parenting time to their relative because they can’t handle 50% custody. Judge Chochran harshly stated: “The aunt feeds the child, doesn’t she?”

In addition, the judge didn’t see an issue with the other parent’s lack of involvement with the child’s health care needs. The other parent has been unwilling to share the responsibility of taking the child to the doctor, dentist and orthodontist. I have been 100% responsible for the last 13 years. The other parent has also refrained from seeking medical attention for the child when they had become ill and injured during their parenting time. Judge Cochran told me in a condescending tone: “He lets you take the child to the doctor, doesn’t he?”

Furthermore, for child support, the judge had refused to believe that the other parent, a member of the clergy, does not pay federal income tax on his compensation from his employer. Despite proof of pay stubs, an employment contract and a tax return affirming non-taxable income, the judge ignored the evidence. Also, the other parent knowingly and intentionally misrepresented their income on their financial disclosures, but the judge chose not to hold him accountable. Judge Cochran insisted on using the dissomaster to determine child support, even though the application was unjust.

Judge Cochran refused to recognize the facts I presented to the Court backed with evidence and base his decision on what is best for the child. Rather, he favored the other parent and his bias was the determining factor in the case.

Litigant

Comment #: CA48917
Rating:1.0

Comments:
When I told the judge that my husband was putting my 14 year old daughter in an Uber by herself at night so he wouldn’t have to drive her his response was “What do you want him to do?” I was too shocked to say “do what I do and change my plans. Instead I said “ It’s not only illegal, it’s dangerous! “ He just through back his head, like what I said was meaningless. Since then I have read every review I could find about him. With the exception of Kim Kardashian, my experience with Cochran was like must of the other women who complained. His bias is flagrant and clear : regardless of the facts set before him, he consistently rules against women. There’s no real concern for what he refers to as “the babies”

Other

Comment #: CA48862
Rating:1.0

Comments:
he is beyond bias, will always chose the fathers side i had him for my case and he didn't even care for what i had to say and gave the father of my children everything he wanted even when i proved that he and\is family was unfit

Other

Comment #: CA48631
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Steve Cochran should be removed from his chair. He is unfit to make responsible decisions. [Redacted by Ed.] He postponed the hearing 4 times for no reason. He told me from the very beginning that he was in favor of the plaintiff and that he would give them the judgement. He allowed witnesses in the courtroom during the hearings and paused in the middle of the hearing to take on 2 other cases while we sat there. He is very rude and condescending. He questioned my attorney if I paid in full. He kept trying to speak in spanish and I felt like he was making fun of us. He wouldnt let us explain anything and hit me with a 1000 yard RO for calling the plaintiff a B. There was never nor has there ever been any abuse on my behalf and he didnt care except for the fact that I used the B word while defending myself after she entered my home and hit me. I had video evidence that I was assaulted by the plaintiff plus a police report for battery , and Judge Cochran chose to grant the plaintiff judgement without any proof. [Redacted by Ed.] The plaintiff lied under oath and when we told Judge Cochran we had proof she was lying, he didnt care and allowed her to commit perjury as well as her witnesses. They all lied and then admitted to lying yet he didnt do anything. He said he was going to grant the RO because “they get granted on a whim” according to him. He has ruined my life and separated me from my children, he needs to be removed!

Other

Comment #: CA47616
Rating:1.0

Comments:
My case took less than 10 minutes. The court did not allow me my right to consent to a temporary judge. Steve Cochran, denied my due process to protect my property and let judgment over 25k for limited case, go through. Limited case can't change jurisdiction on its own because the judge thinks so. This judge made it happen.

Litigant

Comment #: CA47257
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This guy should not be running any courtroom anywhere. Totally incompetent. Everyone was begging for the regular judge to come back at the Courthouse because he was messing up all of the cases. Hoping we never have to appear before him again anywhere.

Litigant

Comment #: CA45297
Rating:9.0

Comments:
I had Judge Cochran presiding for a family law RFO that I had filed related primarily to child support, but also a minor adjustment to custody. I am nonbinary, but am female-presenting.

For context, my ex and I had worked out most of the issues outside the courtroom before we were called in but had one unresolved issue that the judge presided over.

The first thing Judge Cochran did was ask to "meet" our child. He asked me if it was okay if dad showed a picture. I thought this was GENIUS because it indirectly reminded everyone in the court (especially dad!) of why we were there - to make sure our child was taken care of.

He asked questions, listened to my ex's concerns with the remaining RFO item (a ridiculous issue that shouldn't have even needed to be brought up, imo), asked me questions in response, and ultimately judged in my favor, with one small concession related to my ex's concern. He was fair and showed no bias that I could see. I almost wish we had brought everything in front of the judge because I think he saw the truth of the situation and I might not have needed to make other concessions.

If I had to go to family court again (god forbid!), I would be very happy to have him preside over the case.

I felt no bias from him regarding my identity (or perceived identity), nor my child's gender identity. The one thing is that I don't think he is very aware of gender diverse identities and protocols, and he referred to our child by their legal name instead of their chosen name which was included in court documents. But my understanding is that this is common in the field of law and it didn't seem to have any impact on his judgment.

Other

Comment #: CA44577
Rating:1.0

Comments:
At my court hearing today judge cochran was very biased with his decision making. My daughter’s father and I had the opportunity to bring witness to speak under oath . Not only did this judge be unfair and disrespectful to me , but he gave him over night visits. There is another court order in place for the father not to have visitation due to violent behavior and the judge did not hold him accountable. My daughter’s dad lied to this judge constantly and wasn’t making sense . He was asking my daughter’s father we’re the witnesses all lying on him and of course he said yes! I would like to get together with any other mother who is willing to help get this man out of his chair sooner than 2025. He has no respect or consideration for women . My daughter father also has a criminal court order against and was wearing N ankle monitor during the court hearing and my witness inform him that he also beats his mother and judge cochran said he dosent pose a threat to the child . He even asked my daughter’s mother to
take the stand and she said no .

Litigant

Comment #: CA42360
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The first thing he said to me was “I can understand why you are so bitter about your husband leaving you!”. I was asking for a restraining order for myself and 2 children because of his physical, mental and emotional abuse of years. Almost 2 years later, I’m out $50k in legal fees and had to sit through multiple sessions of him giving me a mean look when I mentioned abuse and also telling ex “be nice dad”. He thinks kids’ lives are a joke. If anyone on this post would like to connect so we can file a legal complaint together, please reach out. We owe our kids better.

Other

Comment #: CA42225
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I wish there was a 0 rating…This Judge is awful, rude and bias! He clearly has issues with Women, he will have you submit docs and don’t read them, refuses to do a welfare check of the home and also declines interviewing the child.

He finds things to be hilarious, he is really destroying homes and damaging kids when their of age to speak for themselves. He rules off of his emotional feelings and has no interest in the child’s well-being.

Other

Comment #: CA41340
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I'm a low income single mother and had to self-represent at the hearings and trial. This judge is very biased. I stated that my son's father did not pay any child support and had inconsistent visitation such as not seeing our son for a whole month for two years and that the only way he would give any financial support was if I helped him get his green card. I had evidence for my statements. From what I understand in law this is considered child neglect that can be even punishable by jail, however, this judge said that the only reason he could give me sole custody was if he was physically violent or a physical thread. So basically he's saying it's okay to be neglectful towards your children. Is this what child's best interests means? I thought I was the only one thinking he was biased but I see from previous comments he's very unfair. I really think he got elected due to connections and not from family law knowledge and experience. In my opinion a family law judge should have a background in sociology and/or psychology to learn about the importance of a child's mental health and good parenting nurturing skills, love and genuine care. It was so obvious the other parent's only interest is avoiding child support. I'd like to know how we can file a complaint so this judge ends his term sooner. We needs judges who are not biased and are knowledgable in family psychology.

Other

Comment #: CA41106
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If I could give a million 0's on Steve Cochran I would.He is the epitome of a spineless incompetent judge. He is extremely biased against women and it shows , how he is still even a judge is besides me ! Says his term ends 2025 but how many other families does he get to tear apart before that ?! We need to get together us mother's who have been so wronged by this judge we need to stand in the gap for each other and come together on a civil suit , put him in the spot light so that no other child has to be out in harms way and torn away from their mothers. Steve Cochran for one instance gave temporary sole custody to my daughter's dad pending a cps report against my daughter's dad , with sexual allegations against my childs dad Steve Cochran stillgrantedbmy daughter s das temporary custody pending cps investigation!!! Because he didn't feel like my daughter's dad was a threat to her. Since when do judges act on a feeling? And not in the child's best interest. I can go on and on about how he treated me so unfairly. It is sickening to know that this is being allowed, something needs to be done . I can't stay silent no more enough is enough.plz if there is any one out there who can help us plz do? I want my daughter back home.where she belongs.

Other

Comment #: CA40269
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge chooses his own cases and makes up his own (unlawful ) rules.
Judge Cochran is a huge problem for us in LA, many atroney’s did tell me: and sadly for you ; very biased towards women. For many years this judge did reward and grant all to my ex who has over 4 million in assets, while this judge did help my ex to let me suffer years of homelessness and poverty; hunger ; in a long term marriage

Litigant

Comment #: CA40261
Rating:1.0

Comments:
What other people say is true. He ignores Court Orders of other judges, puts children in danger, plays favourites and biases, does not read supporting materials, is overly emotionally invested in the cases before him, loses control in emotional outbursts, will not allow attorneys or litigants to speak, is not familiar with the cases but claims he is, rushes through cases without hearing relevant arguments. In truth, he seems completely unqualified, incompetent and may be emotionally and psychologically unstable. Certainly unprepared for his job.

Other

Comment #: CA40117
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Stephen (Steve) Cochran discriminates against single mothers.
He ignores existing court orders including restraining orders made by other judges.
A few of his “Gems”:
1) There is a restraining order against the father not to be in any contact with his son. Cochran, “Mother, let your son see his Dad, you know, dad, son, go see the country together.”
2) I claim that my spouse is hidden assets and my husband was in contempt of court for not paying support , Judge Cochran, “Where do you think he is hiding stuff in Cayman?” Husband did not disclose any of his true finances. Judge Cochran found him not guilty. Nepotism anyone? My attorney best friend with my husband’s public defender and judge Cochran himself was a public defender in the past. Judge Cochran on one issue raised, “Maybe we can discuss it is a social setting one day.”
3) Advanced dates that were due 2 months later in Department 2, to himself in Department 63 without anyone asking him and closed discovery. Clearly, he has something with my husband’s female attorney.
4) Talking about this attorney here is another Gem, “ Ms….(female attorney) is jumping up and down and she wants to say something.” UGGGH???
5) Minute orders don’t reflect what was said in court. Court reporter in Dept 63 overcharges for court report and they are ALL altered in favor of my spouse.
6) Attorney for my spouse claimed in front of Judge Cochran that all her issues are, “some reimbursement and about 3 hours.” Judge Cochran didn’t ask me how long, just how many witnesses. I file a valid witness list before and I said that its about 20. Judge Cochran, “20 huh?”
7) Judge Cochran didn’t tell me that he is setting the trial for only 2 days. He set and judge Riff affirmed. Two judges that don’t care about justice.
8) I was thrown into a 2 days trial. My husband’s attorney manipulated the whole time. My husband didn’t testify yet. Next court date in October, but she is filing left and right ex partes for all the issues that she said will be “only about 3 hours.”
9) I believe that there is a serious pattern of injustice and I hope one civil right attorney looks into what is happening here.
10) I happened to hear another case before mine. The wife claimed that the husband whom there is a restraining order against him, stalks her and the house, the tires were slashed. Judge Cochran to the husband, “Did you go near the house and slashed the tires? “ Husband, “No.” Cochran, “He says he didn’t”… This is Stanley Mosk for you people, and these are your Judges…
Good luck,
The abused wife,
Swift.

Litigant

Comment #: CA39441
Rating:2.0

Comments:
This judge is biased. Ont he second hearing, without reading any of the supporting documents he was already in favor of the other party before who had no evidence or supporting documents of his false claims. I don't understand how he was assigned to family court without a background on family law training.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA39268
Rating:2.3

Comments:
Not sure why there are no comments for this Judge. He is very awkward and seems to be mentally incapable of running a court room. I have experienced this judge more than a dozen times and every instance he seems more off his rocker. He is very emotionally invested in his court proceedings and plays favorites. What baffled me the most is how he told a litigant to come back with the ruling of another matter before he would make his decision. he is spineless, heartless and in need of bias training.