Children’s Lawyer Criticizes Accused’s Behavior During Hearing on RTL: Advocates for Fairness and Respect

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France Grapples with Aftermath of Jubillar Trial: How to Tell Children Their Father is a Convicted Murderer

October 18, 2025

The Question of how to inform children that their father has been convicted of murdering their mother is at the heart of a profoundly tragic case unfolding in France. The sentencing of Cédric Jubillar, to 30 years imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Delphine, has left their two children, aged six and eleven, facing an unimaginable reality.

the Jubillar trial captivated France for four weeks, culminating in the verdict delivered by the Tarn Assize Court on October 17th. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, Cédric Jubillar was found guilty in the disappearance of Delphine, who vanished in 2020 near Albi. While the body of the victim remains undiscovered, the court deemed sufficient evidence existed to secure a conviction. A further trial is scheduled for 2026 following an appeal by the defense.

A Lawyer at the Crossroads

Representing the children, Lawyer Laurent Boguet, is navigating the complex ethical and emotional terrain of delivering devastating news. He emphasized the challenge of explaining the situation to the young boys, Louis and Elyah, who have already endured years of uncertainty and loss and continues to impact their lives. “There were four weeks of intense legal battles,” stated Boguet, “culminating in a judgment that found Cédric Jubillar guilty of murder, despite his continued denials.”

The search for Delphine’s remains continues, but experts suggest that a confession from Cédric Jubillar is essential for closure. According to Boguet, psychologists have indicated that obtaining a truthful admission may prove extremely difficult, given the potential for narcissistic collapse. The hope remains, however faint. “For the children, this pursuit is unending”, boguet added.

Children’s Perspectives on a Heartbreaking Truth

The impact on the children varies with their age and understanding. Eleven-year-old Louis has begun to formulate his own conclusions,based on inconsistencies in his father’s statements made to fellow inmates and to others. He has arrived at the simple, yet devastating, realization that lies conceal something terrible. Six-year-old Elyah, with a more abstract understanding, clings to the belief that her mother can be brought back through a “magic wand”, still searching for her mother’s scent on abandoned clothing.

Boguet expressed his disappointment with Cédric Jubillar’s lack of paternal obligation,stating that he has “missed all his duties as a father”. he hopes that, with time, Jubillar will acknowledge the gravity of his actions and consider the impact on his children.

Understanding Child Trauma and Parental Alienation

Did You Know? According to the American Psychological Association, children exposed to parental violence or loss often experience a range of emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy attachments.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the unique challenges faced by children in such situations. It also raises questions about the role of parental alienation and the long-term effects on family dynamics. Recent studies by the National Center for Families Facing Adversity show that children whose parents are involved in protracted legal battles often exhibit heightened levels of stress and emotional distress.

Key Figure	Role
Cédric Jubillar	Convicted of Murder
Delphine Jubillar	Victim; Remains Unfound
Louis Jubillar	Son, Age 11
Elyah Jubillar	Daughter, Age 6
Maître Laurent Boguet	Children’s Lawyer

Long-Term Impact and Support for Children

The long-term impact of this tragedy on Louis and Elyah is yet to be seen. It is crucial that they receive ongoing psychological support and maintain stable, nurturing relationships with other family members. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early intervention in cases of domestic violence and the need for specialized resources to help children cope with trauma. Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at https://www.thehotline.org/

frequently Asked Questions

• What is the current status of the Cédric Jubillar case? Cédric Jubillar has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, but his defense has appealed the verdict, leading to a new trial scheduled for 2026.
• What challenges does the children’s lawyer face? The lawyer must navigate the complex task of informing the children about their father’s conviction while protecting their emotional well-being.
• Has Delphine Jubillar’s body been found? No, Delphine Jubillar’s body remains missing, hindering the investigation and prolonging the anguish for her family.
• How are the children coping with the situation? The eleven-year-old is grappling with the concept of deception, while the six-year-old still holds onto hope for her mother’s return.
• What resources are available for children affected by parental violence? Numerous organizations offer support services, including counseling, therapy, and advocacy, to children experiencing trauma.
• What are the potential long-term effects on the children? Children exposed to this type of trauma may experience emotional distress, behavioral problems, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
• Is it possible for Cédric Jubillar to reveal the location of his wife’s remains? It is believed that a confession from Cédric Jubillar is critical for locating Delphine’s remains, but experts suggest he may be unable to do so without facing significant psychological consequences.

What are your thoughts on how to best support children in these tragic situations? Share your comments below.

How can aggressive questioning and intimidation tactics in RTL hearings negatively impact a self-represented parent’s ability to advocate for their child’s needs?

Children’s Lawyer Criticizes Accused’s Behaviour During Hearing on RTL: Advocates for Fairness and Respect

Understanding Depiction to Litigants in Person (RTL) Hearings

Representation to Litigants in Person (RTL) hearings, increasingly common in family court proceedings, aim to level the playing field when one party is represented by a solicitor and the other is not.These hearings offer support and guidance to self-represented individuals. However, recent cases have highlighted concerns about the conduct of represented parties and its impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly children involved in the proceedings. A children’s lawyer’s recent critique underscores the importance of maintaining fairness and respect within these hearings.This article will delve into the specifics of this critique, the implications for child welfare, and the rights of all parties involved in family court.

The Recent Case & Lawyer’s concerns

During a recent RTL hearing concerning child custody arrangements, a children’s lawyer publicly criticized the accused party’s behavior. The criticism centered around what was described as aggressive questioning, intimidation tactics, and a general disregard for the emotional well-being of the child’s mother, who was representing herself.The lawyer, acting in the best interests of the child, argued that the accused’s conduct was not only inappropriate but actively detrimental to creating a constructive habitat for resolving the custody dispute.

specifically,the lawyer pointed to:

* Disruptive Interjections: Frequent interruptions preventing the mother from fully articulating her concerns.

* Leading Questions: Questions framed in a way that suggested a desired answer, potentially influencing the court’s perception.

* personal Attacks: Comments directed at the mother’s character rather than focusing on the child’s needs.

* lack of Empathy: A demonstrable lack of consideration for the emotional stress the proceedings were causing.

The children’s lawyer emphasized that while robust representation is vital, it must not come at the expense of fairness and respect, especially when a vulnerable party is involved. This case highlights a growing concern about the potential for power imbalances to be exacerbated within RTL hearings.

The Role of the Children’s Lawyer & Best Interests of the Child

The role of a children’s lawyer is paramount in family court proceedings. Unlike solicitors representing parents, the children’s lawyer’s sole duty is to advocate for the best interests of the child. This includes:

* Independent Representation: Providing a voice for the child, separate from parental influence.

* Child-Focused Advocacy: Ensuring the child’s needs, wishes (where appropriate for their age and understanding), and emotional well-being are central to the court’s decision-making process.

* Safeguarding: Protecting the child from harm, including emotional harm caused by the conflict between parents.

* reporting Concerns: Bringing to the court’s attention any behavior that is detrimental to the child’s welfare.

In this instance, the children’s lawyer’s intervention was a direct response to concerns about the impact of the accused’s behavior on the mother’s ability to effectively participate in the hearing and, ultimately, on the child’s well-being.

Implications for RTL Hearings & Fair Access to Justice

This case raises vital questions about the effectiveness of RTL hearings in achieving their intended goal of fairness. While designed to support self-represented litigants,the system can be vulnerable to exploitation by represented parties who may use their legal knowledge to gain an unfair advantage.

Key considerations include:

1. Judicial Oversight: The need for judges to actively manage RTL hearings, intervening when inappropriate behavior is observed.
2. Clear Guidelines: Establishing clear guidelines for acceptable conduct during RTL hearings, outlining the boundaries of permissible advocacy.
3. Enhanced support for Self-Represented Litigants: Providing more thorough support services for individuals representing themselves, including legal information, emotional support, and assistance with court procedures.
4. Training for legal Professionals: Educating solicitors about their ethical obligations when representing clients in RTL hearings, emphasizing the importance of fairness and respect.

Understanding Legal Aid & Representation Options

Access to legal representation remains a significant barrier for many individuals involved in family court proceedings. While legal aid is available in some cases, eligibility criteria are often strict. Alternatives to full legal representation include:

* Pro Bono Services: Free legal assistance provided by volunteer lawyers.

* Law Centres: Community-based organizations offering legal advice and representation.

* Citizens Advice: Providing general legal information and guidance.

* McKenzie Friends: individuals who provide support and assistance to litigants in person (note: they are not qualified solicitors and cannot provide legal advice).

navigating these options can be complex, and it’s crucial to seek advice from a qualified professional to determine the most appropriate course of action. Resources like the Law Society and Citizens Advice Bureau can provide valuable guidance.

The Impact of Parental Conflict on Children

Regardless of the specific circumstances, parental conflict has a demonstrably negative impact on children. Exposure to ongoing disputes, aggressive behavior, and emotional distress can lead to:

* Emotional and behavioral Problems: Anxiety, depression, aggression, and difficulty concentrating.

* Reduced Academic Performance: Difficulty focusing on schoolwork and lower grades.

* Relationship Difficulties: Challenges forming healthy relationships in the future.

* Long-Term Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood.

Minimizing conflict and