A judicial officer is any judge, commissioner, hearing officer, or other court official authorized to make rulings in a family law case. In Maricopa County family law cases you may appear before a Superior Court judge, a commissioner, a hearing officer, or a Judge Pro Tempore depending on the type of proceeding and the court's assignment.

Each type of judicial officer has different authority and different review rights may apply to their rulings. Understanding who is presiding and what review rights exist is part of basic case management.

Regardless of who is presiding prepare the same way. Know your file. Know your facts. Know what you are asking for and why the evidence supports it.