My Fiancé and her ex had a child that is 4 years old, I have been with her almost two years. Her ex filed for custody (PA) amd she had emergency custody (NC). She filed sooner than him, yet she was served within 2 days, and it took over 10 days for him to be served. Her ex's father is the Chief of Police where her ex lives, he has political/personal connections in this town, and that is where their case is. He knows the judge, they are from the same town. He is involved in the child's life, and I would find it reasonable to assume that he might sway the judge's decisions. Is there not a conflict of interest when your family member has a relationship (professional or otherwise) with the judge in a case you are involved in? Would asking the judge to recuse himself be a good idea? Or a change of venue? It is the same town where he lives, it could be a different town in the same county by my understanding.