Matter of Phalen

This judicial disciplinary proceeding arises from a recommendation by the West Virginia Judicial Hearing Board that Charles Phalen, Jr., Family Law Master for Kanawha County, be reprimanded for violating several provisions of the West Virginia Code of Judicial Conduct. The violations concern ex parte communications with parties having a proceeding pending before the family law master.

I

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

The facts of this matter are not in dispute. In September of 1994, Mr. Phalen conducted a hearing on a petition to modify child support. During the hearing, the husband and wife…