In an interview on Friday, Sablan said since she came on board, she has been attending to some 20-25 clients a day. “These include phone and email communications, walks ins, and appointments because right now it’s just me.”
She added that the hiring process for a family court services specialist is almost complete.
Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja swore in Sablan on Oct. 29, 2020. She previously served as a caseworker for the Drug Court Division before taking over the position previously held by Kevin Villagomez.
Sablan said most family court clients are considered indigent and have no legal representation.
Queanna Sablan is the new Superior Court family court manager. Photo by Bryan Manabat
“Family court division services can assist clients in terms of filling out the proper court forms/documents for petition or complaint,” she said. “We also work with the court clerk to make sure the clients are submitting the correct required documents to prevent delays,” Sablan said.
“We also provide referrals to clients if they prefer to have legal representation,” she added.
Sablan said the family court division provides services for divorce, adoption, annulments, guardianship of minors, paternity, wardship and family protection orders.
“We also provide services for those individuals who want to legally change their names and wardship for persons deemed incompetent,” Sablan added.
The requests for assistance that Sablan has received since she joined the family court division usually involve divorce and family protection orders.
To comply with Covid-19 protocols, Sablan said the family court division operates by appointment.
“Yes, we do get walk-ins every day, but what we do is set up an appointment with them. We also communicate electronically for submission of forms…. They don’t need to come here physically to the office,” Sablan said.
In 2019, the family court division worked on a total of 572 cases.
