Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula and his estranged wife made their first appearance in court Tuesday afternoon for a divorce hearing.

Judge Steven Crass ordered Arambula (D-Fresno) and Elizabeth Arambula to mediation to discuss child custody issues. The hearing at the Fresno County Superior Court civil courthouse started shortly after 3 p.m., nearly 90 minutes after its scheduled time.

Crass gave an overview, discussing several issues at hand, including custody, spousal support, and preserving assets.

“That mediation is pretty effective,” Crass told the parties.

Elizabeth Arambula Filed for Divorce in January

Elizabeth Arambula filed for divorce in January. The couple had been married for 11 years and have three minor daughters. Arambula, D-Fresno, missed a month of work in Sacramento. Court filings showed he checked into a rehabilitation facility for 30 days. The Assembly granted Arambula an excused medical absence.

Both Arambulas appeared in person, sitting on opposite sides of the table, separated by their attorneys. Neither formally spoke at the hearing.

Arambula did not comment after the hearing, walking back to his office at the adjacent Burns Building. He said he would issue a statement later.

“We’re really happy with the court process today. We’re just happy that the judge is taking this matter seriously. We’re on an expedited schedule, and we’re hoping that this matter resolves respectfully among all parties and that the children are always placed first,” said Zeppy Attashian, Elizabeth Arambula’s attorney.

Asked how her client is holding up, the Fresno family law attorney said, “She’s great. She’s fabulous.”

Joaquin Arambula is represented by longtime Fresno family law attorney Michael J. Margosian.

Divorce Hearing

Court filings by Elizabeth Arambula accused her husband of addictions to alcohol, marijuana and online gaming. She also accused Arambula of withdrawing more than $900,000 from the couple’s assets when filing for divorce.

Attashian expressed concerns about Joaquin Arambula’s spending habits. She cited Arambula spending $25,000 on furniture, allegations first made in court filings. Attashian said her client has been without resources since filing Jan. 21 and has been living with her family.

She said Arambula left his wife with bills for car insurance and a country club.

Crass said there is an automatic restraining order on finances once a divorce is filed. It is the parties’ burden to prove violations of that provision. He warned of sanctions for violating the order.

The judge plans to move at “warp speed” on the hearings.

Judge Denies Request to Seal Divorce Filings

Crass denied Elizabeth Arambula’s request to seal the record but indicated he would restrict media from recording future custody hearings.

“This is a public proceeding, so we’re going to have to get into some aspects that may not be flattering to one or both of the parents moving forward. That’s just the nature of this courtroom, unfortunately,” Crass said.

Arambula is running for Fresno City Council District 3 — southwest and downtown Fresno — in the June 2 primary election.

The parties will return to court on April 3 to discuss financial issues. A follow-up hearing will take place May 22.

Joining Arambula in court were his parents, Amy and Juan — a former Assemblymember himself — other family members, and office staffers Maria Lemus and Felicia Matlosz.

Several community members attended, including Sandra Celedon, a Democrat who is running to succeed Arambula in the Assembly and has his endorsement.