NOTE: Michael Volpe and Julie Holburn are covering a troubling case out of Orange County, California. Judge Mary Kreber Varipapa is under fire for issuing a controversial child custody order that has raised serious questions about judicial transparency and parental rights. On January 31, 2025, during a Kara Grant vs. Evan Grant custody battle hearing, Judge Varipapa abruptly closed the proceedings, citing HIPAA concerns—even though the law doesn’t apply to open courtrooms. Julie Holburn, an investigative journalist who attempted to observe the hearing, was blocked from accessing public records and accused of a conflict of interest by court officials. The judge’s decision to award custody to the father’s parents—without hearing testimony—has fueled accusations of favoritism, especially given the father’s family ties to influential legal figures. Critics say the secrecy undermines public trust and echoes past judicial overreach in notorious custody cases. This unfolding scandal demands scrutiny.
This article was first published on Michael Volpe Investigates.
It was January 31, 2025, and I was one of several people logged onto the Orange County, California court website to witness a hearing in a child custody case: Kara Grant Vs. Evan Grant.
At the time, I knew little besides that this was a controversial case which needed eyes.
The judge, Mary Kreber Varipapa, came on shortly after I logged on.
The excitement was building, as I was one of several observers, along with the lawyers and parents, participating.
Quickly, there was a letdown.
Judge Varipapa paid lip service to open courtrooms, before announcing that whatever was about to happen was guided by privacy and HIPAA, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act.
HIPAA, among other things, forbids doctors from sharing medical information with anyone besides the patient and anyone else who is authorized.
For the full article go to Michael Volpe Investigates.
