H.C. ex rel. Gordon v. Koppel

Opinion by Judge THOMAS; Concurrence by Judge SILVERMAN.

THOMAS, Circuit Judge:

In this case, plaintiffs seek to invoke the power of the federal courts to alter the course of pending state custody proceedings. We conclude that, as to the claims that are not moot, Younger abstention requires the federal courts to refrain from interference.

I

H.C., a minor girl, is the subject of a bitter custody dispute in Los Angeles County Superior Court between her mother, Idelle Clarke, and her father, Ovando Cowles. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sandoz initially awarded custody to Clarke, providing…