Update: “Tar’s Road to Recovery” Mom Bullied by OC Minors’ Counsel in Fight Over Special Needs Trust
The harrowing ordeal of Tar Nolan, a quadriplegic mother, continues to expose alleged judicial bias, systemic failures, and heartbreaking family separation. Tar has been alienated from her children under a temporary restraining order (TRO) that has stretched for over two years. Now, the situation takes a shocking turn: Bettina Yanez, Orange County minor’s counsel, has filed motions to access Tar’s Special Needs Trust (SNT) to cover her own retainer and legal fees. Monday, January 27, marks the first evidentiary hearing in the case, where Tar will have the opportunity to present evidence, expert testimony, and challenge misinformation.
A Harrowing Journey of Trauma and Courtroom Battles
Tar Nolan’s life was forever changed by a tragic car accident that left her paralyzed and claimed the life of her youngest daughter. Since then, she has endured a contentious custody battle in Orange County’s Lamoreaux Justice Center, raising questions about the fairness and functionality of the family court system. Readers can find the initial story here: Injustice in OC: Mom of “Tar’s Road to Recovery” Faces Prolonged Separation from Her Kids.
Court documents and public records reveal a revolving door of judges assigned to Tar’s case, including Judges Michael Perez, Sheri Honer, then Glenn Salter, Judge James L. Waltz, and now Kimberly Carasso. Dr. Sue Tonkins was also assigned in the case, however allegedly she declined the assignment.
Temporary Restraining Orders and Custody Evaluations in Question
The case features dueling TROs with significant disparities in the allegations. Medical professionals have substantiated Tar’s claims of abuse, while Jimmy Nolan, her estranged husband, cited incidents such as an alleged accidental wheelchair encounter where Tar’s electric wheelchair reportedly ran over her son’s foot. Despite the questionable nature of these claims, they have been used—along with a 730 custody evaluation by Dr. Keith Peterson—to justify Tar’s prolonged separation from her children.
Dr. Peterson recommended sole custody for Jimmy Nolan, along with permission for him to relocate with the children to South Carolina and eliminate Tar’s visitation rights. However, Tar’s legal team has filed objections, citing family code, procedural violations, including conducting the custody evaluation before the TRO hearing. Sources allege Dr. Peterson is under investigation by the Board of Behavioral Health.
Controversial Motion to Access Tar’s Special Needs Trust
Bettina Yanez has filed motions requesting access to Tar’s SNT, a fund legally designated for individuals with disabilities to cover essential care without jeopardizing their government benefits. Legal experts reviewing the motion raised serious concerns:
Legality: Both federal and state laws mandate that SNT funds benefit the disabled individual. Diverting funds for unrelated legal fees violates this purpose.
Ethics: Prioritizing legal fees over Tar’s critical care endangers her health and quality of life.
Impact: Tar’s living expenses, including physical therapy, already strain the trust. Approving Yanez’s request could deplete her sole source of income.
Court records show that Yanez has been paid over $20,000 to date and is now seeking an additional $10,000 for her legal fees. She is also attempting to revoke Tar’s indigent status, which would increase her hourly rate from $150 to $375.
“This motion is outrageous,” said a legal expert familiar with the case, who requested anonymity. “SNTs are lifelines for disabled individuals. This request jeopardizes not just Tar’s care but the integrity of the trust itself.”
Disqualification of Caregiver Raises ADA Concerns
In a further blow, Yanez is pushing to disqualify Tar’s caregiver from attending court hearings. This demand contradicts Tar’s ADA accommodation approval, which grants her the right to caregiver support in the courtroom. Medical professionals warn that unnecessary stress could worsen Tar’s condition or even endanger her life.
Adding to the controversy, sources allege opposing counsel, Liz Camaur, has made disparaging remarks about Tar in the courthouse, signaling animosity.
Children Caught in the Crossfire
Jimmy Nolan plans to call their three children—Paisley (16), Jimmy Jr. (15), and Daisy (10)—to testify at the hearing. Barbara Fritz, another minor’s counsel, has objected, citing the emotional strain such testimony would impose on the children.
Despite their father’s alleged efforts to isolate them, sources report the children frequently cry for their mother. Tar has received no updates on their education or well-being, raising concerns about their care and emotional health.
A Community Rallies Around Tar Nolan
Through her Facebook page, Tar’s Road to Recovery (now rebranded as Taran Strong), Tar has become an inspiration to others facing adversity. Her story has drawn widespread attention and support from the community, who are rallying against what they view as an unjust system.
Monday’s hearing represents a critical moment in this ongoing battle. It is the first evidentiary hearing where medical professionals will testify about the abuse, neglect, and traumatic brain injury Tar has endured.
Remote public access to Orange County family law hearings is available here: https://www.occourts.org/family-law-video-appearances. Select the courtroom or department to enter the remote hearing where the case is being held. The Nolan v. Nolan hearing set for January 27, 28 and 29, is in Department L60.
If you have had similar experiences within the California family court system, please contact this reporter ASAP.
Whistleblowers and victims of family court, CPS, probate court, foster care corruption within the US, please contact this reporter at juliea005@proton.me.
This article is made possible by donations from readers like you and can be made here. Thank you for your support!
Learn more about my ongoing investigative series uncovering corruption in Orange County and its family court system:
OC Man Charged with 5 Felony Counts of Molestation: Family Court and CPS Ignored Reports for Years
Whistleblowers expose the Orange County family court crisis
Whistleblowers reveal corruption in Orange County family courts and beyond
California’s Family Court Crisis: The Failure of Oversight and the Impact of Dr. Sue Tonkins
California Family Courts: Dr. Joan Meier Exposes Bias and Systemic Failures
Orange County reunification therapist deceives courts about credentials
OC Bar Association says “I just want to protect my children” means “I just want to screw my ex”
The victims of Jessica St. Clair, part three
‘I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow’: O.C. judge charged with murder
Children Violently Removed by Court Order Celebrate New California Bill Prohibiting Practice
10-year-old’s torture, abuse was ignored for years, Orange County lawsuit claims
Former OC Supervisor Do pleads guilty to felony bribery
Who is the OC Judge Married to the County Supervisor in the Middle of an FBI Probe?
OC Supervisors to Quietly Discuss Eight Harassment Lawsuits Against District Attorney
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https://www.kcra.com/article/woodbridge-woman-killed-husband-first-court-hearing/63165799
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