In our ongoing coverage of Family Court, FR examines the custody case of Theodora Antar and Matthew Lodice in Connecticut Family Court. The dispute is over their four year old daughter who keeps them connected to each other, when otherwise they each would go their separate ways.
The parents were never married, never lived together, and never intended to have a child together. In an ideal world, they would try to coparent harmoniously for the welfare of their child.
The legal case has gone in favor of the father, who has all parental rights, while Theodora has none. She made the matter public by filing a sprawling federal civil RICO lawsuit naming more than 300 individuals she claims are connected to her case or the family court system of Connecticut. The defendants in her civil suit include the father and their family court judge Jane Grossman.
Recently, police arrested Antar after she appeared at her child’s pediatrician’s office, allegedly in violation of a restraining order in favor of the father, Matthew Lodice.
The stories have attracted considerable interest and provoked mostly thoughtful comments, some supporting the father, some the mother, and many criticizing the jury-less family court system, where judges have almost despotical control..
One of our longtime commenters, Nice Guy, has periodically offered advice in comments on the stories, which prompted comments in reply, including a thoughtful one from attorney Stephanie A. Jones, Esq., LL.M., MPH. Jones is a thirty-year civil rights lawyer, Yale University-degreed medical sociologist, and Columbia University-degreed public health scientist. Her work focuses on global health.
To the comment, “Who supports Theodora? Name three or even one,” Jones makes a reply.
By Stephanie A. Jones, LLM MPH
I support Theodora. This does not mean I endorse everything she has attempted, either in her filings, or her interpretation that court-ordered supervision could be satisfied by a person of her election (e.g. the pediatrician).
My not supporting her legal or extra-judicial efforts in whole cloth is separate and apart from whether I support the woman.
I understand her well, I think, and have had a “close-up view” of what I would consider increasingly desperate efforts to see her child, and her escalating pain.
Simply reviewing the text messages (an exhibit in her mass filing) reveal a woman absolutely shut out of having the ability to meaningfully parent her child. The entire locus of control belongs to the father, who, in writing above, and in the text messages (in an app required to be used by the court), come across as more measured than Theo.
Let’s not be so quick to credit him for his comparative equanimity; it is markedly easier to maintain composure when one holds all the cards, and is not sleepless in worry over the child A.L. (rightfully or wrongly).
As a second-year student of law, Theo has the dubious benefit of some legal training, without yet having had years to learn the appropriate (meaning: likely to yield results favorable to her) manner in which to accurately, narrowly, and succinctly set out her claims.
That said, she is playing in a familiar playground well known to many of us: the systematically dysfunctional Connecticut Family Court system, which terrorizes the Riordan children. Theodora’s experience is eminently comparable to Karen Riordan’s, despite Theodora’s more aggressive cries for help. Unless a person is trapped in a self-feeding vortex of a powerful legal system, it is difficult, if not impossible, to fathom the degree of helplessness one feels, which amps up every mammalian motherly instinct.
The story here, at core, is not about the ways in which Theo has “acted out” in court papers or an ill-considered (given the court-ordered prohibitions in place) pediatrician visit. Her behavior cannot be construed as injurious to A.L. but weakens her own position in the eyes of this system, bearing down on her, as it does on Karen Riordan and the three children oo her and Christopher Ambrose.
Let’s keep our eyes on the ball here, and desist with wholesale personal attacks. If you have not walked a mile in the shoes of a parent legally cut off from their children, as both these women are, and understand the extent of theirs and their children’s suffering, you may not comprehend that you are not helping but adding to the suffering – of which the Connecticut Family Court system has already heaped upon parents and children alike.
Frank Parlato 
Janine Morrison 
J.J. O'Hara 
Richard Luthmann 
Marie White 
Paul Serran
Please leave a comment: Your opinion is important to us!
Frank– Any idea why a good attorney like Neal Rogan died and nothing was made of it? Many stories floating about. I heard he was one of the few ‘good ones’. Wonder who he pissed of in the CT court racketeering ring.
Yes, what happened to this man?
does anyone know anything about Bernadette conway? shes a juvenile court judge. I’ve tallked to a few people. Most hate her. Has anyone heard good things? Please advise. I know she’s retired now, but she still has cases.
any help appreciated.
Antar’s hysterical antics are nothing short of mania and manipulation. She has convinced a shockingly fringe and small minority of people (who likely have been hurt by the system but never been as a deranged or unhinged as her) to support her cause. Her recent filings in court have all been dismissed and now have sanctions imposed on her. She’s lost all of her complaints, her accusations of bias have all been dismissed, and her embarrassing overreaching RICO case is on its way to being dismissed as well. There is literally no evidence of a conspiracy or racket. Just the rabbit hole meanderings of a tasteless, belligerent crone.
While scant few will be convinced of her innocence and good will, everyone close to her including her family, past relationships, friendships, and anyone unlucky enough to be harassed and stalked by her revenge seeking behavior knows completely otherwise. Her claims of being a positive mother are false, while she frauds people for money seeking donations online, it appears she’s out partying on vacation.
Are you sure she’s still a law student? Pretty sure she’s added the law school to her bogus case.
Ultimately, I think what everyone is starting to quickly realize when reviewing her wild civil cases (past/present) and her current criminal charges – it paints a picture of a person who has an out-of-control behavior impulse disorder coupled with an inability to hold herself accountable for just about anything. Read the police reports & court transcripts. .
Her bizarre actions/behavior in and AT court showcase someone who needs help. Unfortunately, until that help is obtained, she is someone who might continue to damage her ability to be the parent she desperately seeks to be. In other words, she’s her own worst enemy. .
Fundamental problems in the state. Currently the state is providing grants to school districts for mental health services. Some towns were refusing and at least one Town being denied. It’s imperative to have watchful eyes on children. Why would anyone refuse or be denied funds for service? A large northern town such as Enfield CT. Senator Kissel, representative Carol Hall, Karen Jarmoc on the commission for women, children and seniors. The town serviced by CHR. A big box. The Big box chr has been a long time complaint of residence seeking counseling and other expended services. CHR. CHR doesn’t except appointment for emergency mental health services. Often leaving people waiting all day in the waiting room and turned away. Potential problems for people like the man in Essex CT who went two weeks with out meds. Leading to a domestic violence incident in which resulted in fatality. Why is the political leaders and agencies not advocating for service in their towns? In one family court case. The school based counseling was a huge problem for the sole practitioner GAL in town. Weighing in and raising questions to the eithicicy of the GaL and court appointed psychologist. It’s been reported that the sole practitioner who’s conduct has been questioned in other cases. Reported to have forbidden forbidden a mother from seeking any outside mental health services for her children. In another case. Why would a judge allow this? Why would the Connecticut family court system be opposed to practicers out side the court system laying eyes and ears on children they are task with representation the best interest of? Why would leaders in the state be failing to advocate for funding for children mental health services in the town they represent and even reside in? Why would these people not advocate for needed services in their community?
Living in the new world. 🎶 Wish politicians looked out for minors, not just minors on an island somewhere. 🎶.
They are hidding these children away from other people.
Got to say – while everyone is entitled to their own opinion on everything – the Frank Report is kind of grasping at straws here. Yes Stephanie Jones has impressive credentials. That being said, her opinion means little to nothing. She’s isn’t a clinical psychologist, social worker, criminal lawyer – nor an attorney with a primary focus on anything centered around this particular area of law whatsoever. She hasn’t done excessive research into any case in this area or even THIS case. That being said, I find it difficult to understand why you tried to make her out to be some sort of educated authority in this particular type of case.
YES, Stephanie’s perspective is easy enough to understandable. Anyone with half a heart would feel the same way as Theodora when it comes to loosing their children. I’m betting Judge Grossman isn’t on a one-person mission to take people’s kids away. She has to follow the evidence in front of there and follow the procedures as they need to be applied (using the FACTUAL. info she has.) The word factual is important because blind accusations don’t have a place in Family Law situations, and looking into the case, their were several accusations which were proven false by the Plaintiff.
Bottom Line (in my opinion) is: their daughter has gone through a lot. Suing everyone under the son for revenge, making false accusations and getting herself arrested DO NOT further her cause from her goal of proving that she should/could be primary parent for her daughter.
The problem is people are not being allowed to prevent evidence.
People are being obstucted in presentation of evidence.
If she believes her child is being sexually assaulted she is going to be doing what she can to stop it. Why would the father continue to leave a 4 year old to be cared for by the individual in question? It’s not the father being accused. Why would the father not protect both parties and continue to leave them unsupervised? The state of Connecticut has a prolonged history of ignoring sexual abuse. Look at DCF placing children in facilities known to law enforcement. These cases are guided by the industry. Sexual abuse exists in the world. People ignore it. People are being punished wrongfully for reporting. False alligations are a problem. Based on the information outside of Court documents and the pattern of incompetentcy and conduct being exposed for years. It may be hard to convince the readers of the Frank Report that Theadora is “crazy” as she appears. The father may not be the best choice of the court to have sole custody. This is a Connecticut family court cases. Father’s rights over mothers. Over best interest. Fatherhood funding attached to legislation bringing money into the state of Connecticut.
And what if her belief that the child is being sexually assaulted are actually delusions and she is abusing the child by subjecting her to unnecessary invasive examinations? It’s like a sex-focused form of munchhausen by proxy.
Understand that having the child subjected to unnecessary testing. How ever what is coming to light is the state of Connecticut is hidding pedipiies and sexual abusers from the public. It’s not hard to believe that they would rather place children in harms way. Joshua Komisarjecky. CT is showing patterns of legalization of pediphia. Richard Blumenthal D-CT talking up placing a pedophile sympathizer on the federal bench. Refusal to change language in laws. Saving on incarceration and making big dollars of parental alienation/ material gatekeeper.
“… The Center for Research & Public Policy (CRPP) is pleased to present the results of a Satisfaction Survey conducted among individuals involved with the Connecticut Court
System for divorce, legal separation, child visitation and/or child custody cases.
The survey was designed to collect user input on satisfaction with court personnel, process, programs, and systems.
The research study included a comprehensive telephone survey. CRPP, working together with Court Officials, designed the survey instrument to be used when calling users of the Court System.
This report summarizes information collected from telephone surveys conducted December 10, 2014 – January 7, 2015. …”
https://www.jud.ct.gov/family/Family_Matters_Satisfaction_Study.pdf
If Connecticut AFCC, Inc. public-private purposely adversarial for-profit vendors aren’t allowed to take state and federal dollars anymore, what does the future hold for those who engaged in that Kids for Cash racketeering for the past 40 years? 🤔
“… Bid Information:
Bid Number: 03-2308
Bid Name: Criminal Justice and Family Matters Training
Status: Under Evaluation
Advertisement Term: From 07/17/2023 To 08/31/2023
Criminal Justice and Family Matters Training – To provide training (instructor-led, virtual live and on demand web-based) on specific juvenile, adult and family topics. …”
I can’t speak for Frank. But I believe his blog is dedicated to unraveling the on going desecration to the practice of family law plaguing the country. Especially the state of Connecticut. Exposing the ongoing mockery being made of the mental health profession. The industry involved in family court that is damaging to men, women and children alike. We need attorneys willing to help the citizens of the United States to clean up the court system effecting the future generations. Thank you attorney Jones for being able to see past the smoke and mirrors and understanding there are huge problems with the family law courts.
Nice job attorney Stephanie A. Jones. Well spoken. I also support Theo. I believe her accusations are true. A mother knows best and child abuse is a serious problem not only in Connecticut but in the USA. I believe Theo and I feel her ex is a man without integrity and lacks serious morals.
Access and visitation grant information can be found with Michelle Jadczak. Senior grant written. Washington DC. She is the person given to contact for access and visitation grants in the country. She should have the information on recepents.
Access and visitation grant are through health and human services as well as DCF. Currently health and human services is giving webinar on how to get out of paying child support. Fatherhood initiative running the court system. Diana Ditunno and DCF using money to go to New Port Rhode Island. Favoring father’s over mothers including monitarly. 500 million dollars donated by mens rights groups to Uconn and Yale alone. Joseph Ditunno running family services division. The profiting off federal funding. Someone outside the state of Connecticut should be investigating
The Ditunno’s should definitely be investigated.
You would think that being in his position, Ditunno would model more appropriate co parenting. Rather, he covertly alienated his son from his ex wife. Nepotism now ensues and this is such a sad story that needs to be told.
A child (or young adult) does not reject a parent without the influence of someone else.
“ConnecticutJudicial Branch Court Services Division
936 Silas Deane Highway
Hartford, CT 06109
Anthony Judkins
Connecticut’s grant supports mediation and supervised visitation. Visit Connecticut’s Judicial Branch Court Services Division website to learn more.”
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/css/contact-information/access-and-visitation-program-contacts#CT_1048
Maximus Inc. The biggest concern and problems. Just gave millions of dollars for father’s only in Tennessee. Discrimination. There is a huge push and insensitive. In 2018 several million were not recovered for child support. Application for federal funding for exemption for children support. Non custodial parents. Child support services, health and human services and DCF. Access and visitation grants . Women are reporting none payment and the court doing nothing. When is a government investigation into family court going to uccure?
Anthony Jenkins is the fatherhood initiative in Connecticut.
Attorney Stephanie Jones-
I agree with most you of what you say.
When I asked “who supports Theodora”, it was to make a sincere point. Theodora is an intelligent woman. I looked at her ‘latest’ filings with the court.
I simply wanted her to reflect.
Does her family and friends support her? I do not know the answer. Perhaps you do.
Grossman is a Filthy pig
That’s an insult to filthy pigs
These children are trafficed as property of the state of Connecticut because the parents have filed for divorce and don’t agree on custody. The plantation Master is the state of Connecticut. No one is set free until 18. These children are enslaved for monitary gain to the state and the family law industry. The custody needs to be established on the needs of the children. The safety.
Many have weighed in, irresponsibly diagnosing Theo as mentally ill. I would bet most, or all, are not qualified to declare someone mentally ill.
Theo is a mother, a student and a human.
Of course we’re not mental health professionals. It’s a comment section where readers are encouraged to chime in with their theories. Unless you want to scare off those who don’t share the same theories as you.
Reading what another sees in these cases is what makes it all so interesting.
Scare? I don’t want to scare anyone from commenting. Ppl can say whatever they want. I cant say what I want.
Theodora herself claimed in her federal filing that she has ADHD and PTSD. These are medical issues. The ADHD diagnosis alone ensures she was given more time to take the LSAT, and as a student now she is allowed similar accommodations when taking exams or attending classes.
Imo a better use of Jone’s time—versus writing to scold FR readers to be kind [has Jones ever read the FR before??] —would be helping Theodora amend her brief(s). It’s not a personal attack to say the federal one is jaw-droppingly bad, as written.
This is not to say the facts she struggles to convey are untrue; it’s to say Theodora currently appears unable to write her way out of a wet paper bag. Maybe she’s too upset. Maybe she wants extra help, like her disability allowed her to receive in school.
It doesn’t matter why. What matters is the briefs people have linked here are incoherent lists, not cogent arguments.
I will always support almost anyone who challenges our corrupt system of Government.
Child labor/sex trafficking has skyrocketed in the past three years. Our court system facilitates, for profit, this trafficking of children. Anyone willing to stand against child trafficking, I will support.
You appear to be a better writer and clearer thinker than she. In all seriousness, maybe you can help her write something. Somebody ought to, if they feel it is important.
Thank you.
I write for a living. I am a technology professional, but I do have to tell stories and bring them to life for funding purposes.
No reasonable parent would isolate children from the other- and hide behind a court order to do so.
Parents can agree to step away from the court and settle the chaos. In case of Ambrose and many others, the dominant parent uses the court as a weapon for years to come and abuse the spouse – keeping children isolated until they age out.
There is no basis for supervised visitation of these parents. It’s a money maker and in cases where parents elect for supervised visits, when your money runs out, the visits cease.
They are also designed to cut off all contact with the targeted parent. In the case of Joriz Tiberi, she jumped through every hoop- and to reward her, supervisor, Lisa Kerin (known in the AFCC CT court cabal) went to judge grossman and ended all visits!
As Lisa kerin insisted on driving Joriz’s car during visitation! She also objected to filming or recording of any kind.
There was no stated purpose of the visits, goals of supervision- just a tool to vilify the mothers.
It’s a playbook. It’s CT courts.
Restraining orders on whim of judges with no evidence are used to incarcerate, vilify and punish innocent mothers.
Court orders are set up to allow for years of payments to court therapists and supervisors.
And if you have Robert horwitz, or Bruce freedman, they will ultimately leave visitation to the custodial parent – delegating all responsibility as CT judges do.
Sole custody is the license to abuse your spouse.
When legal custody is taken – that is the red flag. Grossman stripped Riordan of legal custody based solely on an unvetted affidavit by Ambrose.
She raised them for 13 years and on judicial whim and fraud- grossman took her legal rights.
Grossman continues to have gals in cases- for six years post judgment!!
The corruption is so obvious. The kids are teenagers but family court vultures need the money – do they’ll pay until the kids are 18.
Sick sick world of CT family courts.
“No reasonable parent would isolate children from the other- and hide behind a court order to do so.”
Even when the other parent is making baseless accusations accusing an innocent relative of raping the 4-year-old and subjecting the 4-year-old to numerous invasive rape kits as hospitals? Which repeatedly show zero sign of sexual abuse, let alone rape?? The mother is basically having her 4-year-old girl “raped” by doctors. She is sick.
It’s not unfathomable that the state of Connecticut would be covering up sexual abuse. DCF sends children into the lions den. In New York and Connecticut . A satanic church trying to run after school system and abortion clinics. Connecticut and Rhode Island have a combined satanic church. Mr. Wilkinson was a devil worshiper. The world is a messed up place. The satanic church is getting federal funding. Big rally in Boston.
SA seems to be the bazooka for maximum sympathy and to get your case noticed on the interwebs. Without the accusation of SA, it’s a major yawn
False claims a atrocious. Make it problematic for real cases. That being said. Read Keith Harmon Snows book. Connecticut has been running the parental alienation scam for years now.
Grossman is just … gross Slime of society
The CT Fatherhood Initiative tries to pair pedophile rapists with children. Look it up.
Many people support the need for legal action to be taken against many vested interest parties involved in the Connecticut Family Court system. Many a people have complaints. Many people still in Family court focused on the outcome of case rather than the process used and misused to arrive at Judicial discission making. I did not receive a poor outcome of lost custody. My focus on complaints filed to various agencies and organizations has nothing to do with the outcome. My complaints are in regard to the lack of ethics, willful and intentional conduct of attorneys, GALs and judges. In my opinion is intentionally provoking anger, frustration and leading to the absolute and complete mess unraveling on the Frank Blog. The exploitation of the minors involved in custody battles for profit. The parental discission making process is procured to the GALs. The GALs. The GALs immediately taking ownership of these children.
These GALs are supposed to be the eyes and ears of the court, but instead are acting as a filter. In my personal experience begin to engage in conduct that is of co-counsel for one of the Attorneys. They enlist the assistance of Court appointed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist that do not follow ethical guidelines of their profession. Using practices unrecognized and not monitored. Often lack education and supervision that these. Present themselves as experts on family subject matter that they do not have credentials for. These appointments are based on business relationships and friendships. Leading to bias and significant profit. Granted immunity and protected by the bar association of the state as well as the ignoring of the state department of public health.
The state of Connecticut various agencies, Attorney General’s office, and politicians have been advised of it. The focus of the outcome is driving these people to label people as crazy, disgruntled litigants etc. Rather than focusing on the process of the outcomes. Which often poor. The elimination of a parent. Epic failure to address family disfunction and is fueling it. Theodora Antar’s complaint may appear outrages and may not be presented as outrageous and appears emotionally fueled by a mother frantic about her 4-year-old. There is just cause to the claim federal funding is being collected and not being used properly. There is a vested interest in the fatherhood funding by sustain interest groups. The use of presumption of 50/50. The ongoing push to bring more funding into the state in an attempt to balance the legal system here in Connecticut. What there is no focus on is discipline of attorneys, GALS, or judges. Evidence based system used reasonable practices of mental health services. Agencies are receiving money and is contributing the failing, dangerous family court system in the state of Connecticut. The legislation and the government of Connecticut is also profiting through pay increases, benefits and retirement funds. The attorneys profiting greatly. Theodora is not wrong. There is reason to be concerned about RICO and trafficking in the state of Connecticut through family court. Our Attorney General’s office stating yesterday it represents the state of Connecticut and the public interest. These two things are conflicting when it comes to Family Court related matters. It’s my opinion that he believes that the financial best interest of the public to allow this to continue.
We need Attorneys to help with a lawsuit against the problems for both men and women in state.
Business as usual in Connecticut” line each others pockets” Family Corrupticourt
“Theodora’s experience is eminently comparable to Karen Riordan’s, despite Theodora’s more aggressive cries for help.”
I guess Stephanie is unaware that Karen sued the governor of Connecticut over her divorce case.
Thanks for weighing in Chris.
Speaking of come lately, Crisco please don’t diddle your peanut in front of your phone camera. Watching a qutip vigorously rub itself looks painful. Watching you in the spy camera has left me mentally unwell. Has anyone else hacked into Christina’s phone? I warn you, if you get passed the fire walls you will see many selfies of a ghostly, lonely, fat man, looking for child porn in all the wrong places. 😉
Hey toolbag!!!!
Why such a douché bag?
Stephanie beat you in a court case?
A douchebag just for sharing that Karen sued the governor of CT? Get a grip. It is my impression Stephanie knows next to nothing about the Ambrose/Riordan case. Just the lies Karen feeds the public about her ex.
You must be that sicko Manny Gomez. What a class act.
The governor is financially benefiting from family court. Raises benefits and retirement. Ignoring what is happening. Failing to encourage investigation. The funding to the state and balancing the budget. TANF block grant funds to fill in the budget gaps. This runs deep.
I’d like to see how much money each state makes from “family courts”.
Add up all the money “family law” attorneys make in each state.
Add up all the money “family court evaluators” make in each state.
Which state takes the most money from children and families?
Which state takes the least?
States that care the most about children and families give the most and take the least.
How much money have state family courts taken from children and families so far?
Sean Scanlon paying the bills for the state of Connecticut. Where do we find out how much is coming in? The fatherhood initiative corporate office and the department of health and human services. Sorry, but I don’t trust any of these people to be honest. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy looking at PPE loans. Probably not a bright idea. Foxs guarding the hen house. FBI needs forensic accounting. The majority of the country doesn’t trust Joe Biden. We need the GOP .
Can we see those text supporting your friendly conclusions? Thanks
The harm, the chaos and the division … is all done on purpose.
Yes, it is