VOTE411 Voter Guide

Throughout my career as a private attorney, I have served in the very same fiduciary roles I've often guided my clients through, giving me firsthand insight into the emotional weight and practical demands placed on executors and guardians. That lived experience, combined with legal advocacy, provides me with a balanced perspective—one that appreciates both the human realities that families face and the technical requirements that the law demands. It helps me understand how the Court's operations affects people's lives, and has prepared me to make thoughtful, compassionate and fair decisions.

I would choose the Honorable Mary Wiseman as my mentor. Though not a probate judge, she is widely respected and exemplifies strong judicial leadership. Her guidance on effective case management and thoughtful, well-researched decision-making would be invaluable. With Probate Court’s dual role as court and clerk, her experience as Administrative Judge would also provide critical insight into balancing efficiency with legal compliance.

Most of my practice is in probate, primarily in Montgomery County. Recently, the Court has shifted in ways that have not served families well—proceedings often feel adversarial, and process is being prioritized over substance. Delays in routine matters add stress and financial strain. My experience in these fiduciary roles, and guiding clients, offers practical insight on ways we can restore collaboration between the Court and parties. The tone of professionalism, courtesy, and cooperation must start with the Probate Judge, leading by example.

Since taking the bench in 2020, as the only probate court judge in Montgomery County, Judge Brannon presided over thousands of probate matters including, estates, guardianships, adoptions, civil commitments, marriages, trusts, name changes, will contests, and many others. Brannon serves as both the clerk and administrative judge, meaning that he maintains all court filings and leads his staff of about 35 people. Brannon serves on the executive committee of the Ohio Assoc. of Probate Judges and several Supreme Court of Ohio committees, focusing on mental illness and other matters.

Justice Earl Warren is the role model I would choose. As Chief Justice, he led a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court to end school segregation in Brown v. Board of Education and expanded due process through decisions protecting voting rights, criminal procedure, and free expression. He showed real world impact how the rule of law can grow public trust in government. He placed constitutional principles above politics and emphasized equality above all else.

The Probate Court touches Montgomery County families at their most difficult or significant moments of their lives. My commitment is to make the Court more accessible, efficient, and more protective of the most vulnerable. Specifically, I implemented a courthouse based legal resource center so the public can receive free legal advice from an actual attorney. I also started an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (“AOT”) program to treat individuals with serious mental illness while living in the community, which is expected to monitor over 100 individuals by year’s end.