Veteran family lawyer Alphonse Provinziano applauds California Supreme Court decision on court recording
Veteran California attorney Alphonse Provinziano praised the state Supreme Court’s recent unanimous decision to require electronic court recording in family law proceedings amid an ongoing statewide shortage of court-employed reporters.
The decision in Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Court held that trial courts must provide parties who cannot afford private court reporters with an official verbatim record of proceedings, creating an exception under state law that allows electronic audio recording when court reporters are unavailable.
“This landmark decision by the California Supreme Court finally allows the common-sense solution that family lawyers have been calling for,” said Provinziano, who is a board-certified family law specialist and founder of Provinziano & Associates, which is based in Los Angeles. “The shortage of court reporters has forced California families to face a terrible decision: pay thousands of dollars for a private reporter, delay important hearings for weeks, or risk their ability to meaningfully appeal a decision later.”
In his work with the Beverly Hills Bar Association, where he is now president-elect, Provinziano spearheaded efforts to allow audio recording, noting that other states allow it and praising local efforts such as a Los Angeles Superior Court order expanding digital recording. The issue has been particularly important amid the shortage, as more than a million civil and family law proceedings have been held without an official transcript, according to a recent report from the California Access to Justice Commission.
The lack of a transcript can be particularly problematic in child custody cases and ones involving domestic violence, as the burden of proof is on the person filing an appeal to prove that the lower court made a mistake.
“Justice depends upon equal access to court, and that includes the right to an appeal,” added Provinziano. “Without an official record, you cannot exercise that right. The California Supreme Court has now recognized that essential fact and ensured equal justice under the law.”
About Provinziano and Associates
Provinziano & Associates is a Los Angeles-based law firm specializing in high-net-worth divorces, family law, domestic violence cases, restraining orders, child custody disputes, child support, grandparents’ rights, and prenuptial agreements. Serving both Los Angeles and Orange County, its legal team has extensive experience in the complex area court system, helping to ensure the best outcome for clients facing one of the most challenging times in their lives. Founder Alphonse Provinziano and his team of attorneys are highly sought after for their expertise in managing high-stakes divorces and their thorough understanding of complex financial issues. To learn more, visit: https://provinziano.com.
