Judge Deborah L. Christian: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department SMC - 418

CA Bar #: 113400 (June 1984)

Appointed By: Gov. Joseph Graham Davis, Jr.

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Deborah L. Christian is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. Christian was appointed to the bench by former Governor Gray Davis in October 2002, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Ann Kough[1].

During her judicial service, Christian's assignments have included the Felony Drug Court and the civil law and motion and jury trial calendar. Her later assignments have included civil and probate matters[2].

Educational background

Christian earned a B.A. from California State University, Dominguez Hills. At the University of Southern California, she completed an M.P.A. She then completed a J.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (June 1984).

Career history

After her admission to the bar, Christian began her legal career with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office in 1985 as a deputy public defender[2]. Her work there included service as an appellate attorney in the Juvenile Branch, and she later became deputy in charge of four offices, serving until 1993[2]. Christian was appointed as a court commissioner for the Inglewood Municipal Court in 1994 and served there until 2000[2]. In 2000, she ran unsuccessfully for a judgeship[2]. She then became a court commissioner for the Los Angeles County Superior Court and served in that role until 2002[2].

Her public service also included work as a state commissioner on the CYA Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission[2].

Personal life

In public comments, Christian described trial-court work as addressing the public's real-life problems, which she characterized as essential to the justice system[3].

References

[1] Metropolitan News-Enterprise (October 18, 2002)
[2] Ballotpedia — Deborah L. Christian
[3] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile: Deborah L. Christian

Recent Rulings by Hon. Deborah L. Christian

  • Jun 01, 2018 Los Angeles County

    CATHERINE tucker ; Plaintiff, v. food 4 less , et al.; Defendants.

    Case No.: BC661864

    Hearing Date: June 1, 2018

    [TENTATIVE] order RE:

    Demurrer to complaint

    MOVING PARTY: Defendants, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales, LP, Frito-Lay Inc., and Pepsico Inc.

    RESPONDING PAR...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Plaintiff Mercury Insurance Company’s Motion for Terminating Sanctions is GRANTED.

    On November 16, 2016, Plaintiff Mercury Insurance Company (“Plaintiff”) filed this subrogation action against Defendants Jose Omar Sanchez Moreno (“Moreno”) and Matthew S. Guralnik. On December 15, 2016, Moreno filed...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Plaintiff Western Home Insurance Company’s Motion to Deem the Truth of Matters Specified in Requests for Admissions to Defendant Patricia Alvarez as Admitted is GRANTED.

    On February 20, 2018, Plaintiff filed a Motion to Deem the Truth of Matters Specified in Requests for Admissions to Defendant Pat...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    On March 1, 2018, Defendant/Cross-Complainant Seok Yeong Hong filed a Motion to Consolidated (the “Motion”) this action (Case No. 17K02210) with Case Nos. 16K10474 and 17K03292. The Court notes, however, that pursuant to a Stipulation signed by this Court on February 14, 2018, this case has already been co...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Plaintiff Rosa Marie Coles Miller’s Motion for Summary Judgement is DENIED.

    Service Requirement

    A notice of a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication and supporting papers "shall be served on all other parties to the action at least 75 days before the time appointed for hearing....

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Sacor Financial, Inc.’s Motion to Correct Error in Rejecting Renewal of Judgment is DENIED.

    Plaintiff National Credit Acceptance, Inc. filed the instant action for breach of contract against Defendant Eric Salvador (“Defendant”) on January 20, 2005. On August 19, 2005, the court entered default jud...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Plaintiff Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club’s Motions to Deem Request for Admissions as Admitted, Compel Responses to Form Interrogatories, and Request for Sanctions are GRANTED.

    On December 20, 2016, Plaintiff Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club (“Plaintiff”) filed this sub...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    On March 19, 2018, Plaintiff Chong Won Kim (“Plaintiff”) filed a Motion to Vacate Dismissal (the “Motion”) that was entered January 19, 2018. On April 12, 2018, the parties filed a Stipulation to Set Aside the Dismissal. Upon the signing of the Stipulation, the Motion is taken OFF CALENDAR.

    Court c...

  • Apr 24, 2018 Los Angeles County

    On November 2, 2017, Defendant served her Form Interrogatories on Saldana. (Motion, Exh. A.) On January 31, 2018, Saldana served his responses to Defendant’s Form Interrogatories. (Id., Exh. B.)

    Defendant found Saldana’s response to her Form Interrogatories No. 110.2 to be inadequate and sent Salda...

  • Apr 17, 2018 Los Angeles County

    The PI calendar formerly heard in Department 97 of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse is now being heard at the Spring Street Courthouse, Department 5. Accordingly, all tentative rulings for the motions calendar will be posted under Department 5 of the Spring Street Courthouse.

    For all future hearings and...

  • Load More

Recent Cases by Hon. Deborah L. Christian

On June 25, 2026 a probate - breach of written fee agreement case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Jun 25, 2026

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Probate - Breach of Written Fee Agreement

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 26, 2026

On June 23, 2026 a probate - breach of written fee agreement case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Jun 23, 2026

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Probate - Breach of Written Fee Agreement

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 24, 2026

On April 7, 2025 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Apr 07, 2025

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 12, 2026

On February 21, 2025 a tort - negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Feb 21, 2025

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Tort - Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Negligence

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 21, 2025

On February 19, 2025 a quiet title (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Feb 19, 2025

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Quiet Title (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Quiet Title

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 30, 2026

On December 30, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 30, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 30, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 30, 2024

Status

Other

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 27, 2024 a limited conservatorship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 27, 2024

Status

Other

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Limited Conservatorship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 11, 2025

On December 27, 2024 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 27, 2024

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 26, 2024 a conservatorship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 26, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Conservatorship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 23, 2024 a limited conservatorship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 23, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Limited Conservatorship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 11, 2025

On December 23, 2024 a guardianship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 23, 2024

Status

Other

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Guardianship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 11, 2025

On December 20, 2024 a limited conservatorship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 20, 2024

Status

Other

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Limited Conservatorship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 11, 2025

On December 20, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 20, 2024

Status

Other

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 20, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 20, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 12, 2025

On December 20, 2024 a trust (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 20, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Trust (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Trusts

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 19, 2024 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 19, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 19, 2024 a guardianship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 19, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Guardianship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 17, 2024 a guardianship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 17, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Guardianship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 11, 2025

On December 17, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 17, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 16, 2024 a guardianship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 16, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Guardianship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 16, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 16, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 06, 2025

On December 16, 2024 a decedent's estate (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 16, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Decedent's Estate (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 10, 2025

On December 13, 2024 a guardianship (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Deborah L. Christian presiding.

Filed

Dec 13, 2024

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Guardianship (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 14, 2025