Family Court Judge Leah Setzen runs for re-election amid serious questions.Photo byRichard Luthmann / Substack

By Richard Luthmann

DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Leah Setzen is facing mounting scrutiny as questions swirl about her handling of divorce cases, particularly those involving real estate and high-stakes financial settlements. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2023, Setzen is now running for reelection, but her courtroom practices are drawing criticism, with accusations of delays, conflicts of interest, and rulings that seem to disproportionately favor one side—often at the expense of male litigants.

At the heart of the controversy is Setzen’s alleged tendency to drag out divorce cases when real estate is involved, leading some to wonder whether the delays are intentional. Critics suggest these drawn-out proceedings allow homes to be “harvested” and sold, with third-party interests benefiting from the extended timeline. This tactic, they argue, not only puts financial strain on the parties involved but also raises questions about whether Setzen’s former law firm, Sefton Kelly Family Law—formerly Grunyk Family Law—has any lingering influence over her rulings.

Conflict of Interest Allegations

Setzen’s prior association with Sefton Kelly Family Law has led to accusations that she may still have indirect ties to the firm, especially in cases involving real estate and property settlements. Before her judicial appointment, Setzen was a partner at the firm, which specialized in family law, making her no stranger to high-stakes divorce proceedings. Critics argue that her history with the firm could be influencing her decisions on the bench, particularly when it comes to selling off marital homes as part of divorce settlements.

The delays in these cases often result in significant financial burdens for the litigants, with homes sitting on the market for extended periods. Some believe that these delays benefit certain third parties—real estate agents, law firms, or others who stand to profit from the sale of marital property. This has led to speculation about whether Setzen is intentionally prolonging these cases to facilitate these transactions. Her courtroom practices have left many asking: Is Judge Setzen in on the scheme?

Exorbitant Child Support Rulings

In addition to the delays and potential conflicts of interest, male litigants in Setzen’s court are raising alarms over the extraordinary child support payments they’ve been ordered to make. Some have reported paying nearly a million dollars in child support, with little explanation for how these figures are determined. Critics accuse Setzen of setting unrealistically high support payments, often based on inflated or inaccurate income assessments. These rulings, they argue, disproportionately burden fathers, forcing them into financial hardship while benefiting their ex-spouses.

One litigant noted that there were frequent “backroom meetings” between Setzen and the lawyer representing his ex-wife, meetings that were allegedly not recorded or disclosed on the official court record. This has raised further concerns about transparency and fairness in her courtroom, with some suggesting that Setzen may be more aligned with the interests of one party—usually the ex-wife—than with ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for both sides.

The Democratic Party Machine

Setzen’s political connections are also under the microscope. Appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2023, she quickly became a key player in the DuPage County judiciary. Now, as she runs for reelection, some are questioning her close ties to the Illinois Democratic Party Machine. Setzen’s campaign is reportedly backed by powerful Democratic figures, fueling speculation that her political affiliations may influence her rulings.

Photo byRichard Luthmann / Substack

Observers have noted the lack of male judges appointed to the court recently. Illinois Appellate Justice Mary Kaye O’Brien, who has significant sway in judicial appointments, has not appointed any male judges during Setzen’s time on the bench. This has raised questions about whether gender plays a role in judicial selection in DuPage County, with some suggesting that the court may be tilted toward appointing female judges, potentially skewing the fairness of the judicial process.

Real Estate Deals Under Scrutiny

The sale of marital homes during divorce proceedings in Setzen’s court has become a focal point for critics. They allege that the extended timelines for case resolution and questionable real estate deals raise serious concerns about whether the judge is turning a blind eye to potential improprieties. One father involved in a drawn-out divorce case claimed that the sale of his home seemed orchestrated to benefit parties outside the court rather than to divide assets between him and his ex-spouse fairly.

Setzen’s decisions in these cases have led to speculation about her involvement, with some wondering whether she stands to gain from the real estate transactions in her courtroom. The lack of transparency in handling these deals has only fueled further distrust.

The Road to Reelection

As Judge Leah Setzen campaigns for reelection, these allegations will likely follow her. Her critics are not holding back, questioning whether her courtroom practices are motivated by financial interests and political connections. For voters, the question is straightforward: Can Judge Setzen be trusted to deliver fair and impartial rulings, or are her ties to the Democratic Party Machine and former law firm clouding her judgment?

Setzen’s reelection bid may hinge on her ability to address these concerns head-on. As the election draws near, DuPage County voters will be watching closely to see how she responds to the growing scrutiny surrounding her courtroom conduct.

Richard Luthmann is a writer, commentator, and investigative reporter with degrees from Columbia University and the University of Miami. A transplanted New Yorker, Luthmann is a National Writers Union member and now living in Southwest Florida.

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