Family-division magistrate describes work with self-represented litigants and language-access efforts

Alicia Humbert, family-division magistrate for Washington, Orleans, Caledonia and Essex counties, described procedures she uses to help self‑represented litigants navigate family-court hearings and the steps the judiciary is taking to improve accessibility.

Humbert told the committee that magistrates have limited-jurisdiction roles focused on family-division matters—parentage, support, enforcement, juvenile orders—and that hearings are often stressful for litigants who appear without counsel. She said she starts hearings by explaining the process, gives parties an opportunity to ask questions before testimony, issues decisions on the record when possible so parties can ask clarifying questions, and strives to write orders “simply and concisely.”

Humbert said her work on the Family Division Oversight Committee includes reviewing and simplifying court forms, removing obscure legal phrasing and promoting language-access and communication‑support services for people with limited English or communication challenges. She described communication-support specialists who review courtroom language for clarity and urged that judges and staff adapt phrasing to make rulings and orders understandable to non‑lawyers.

Committee members noted her 100% score from court staff and non‑attorneys and some comments that she occasionally speaks quickly; Humbert said the time pressure of crowded calendars can prompt a faster pace and she will be mindful to slow down so parties can follow proceedings. She thanked the committee for the opportunity to receive feedback and said retention review helps her reflect on service to families and children.