Judges in the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas primarily hear cases involving family matters such as divorce, dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence protection orders. These judges make decisions that affect the legal rights and responsibilities of families and children. The role requires applying Ohio law to resolve disputes fairly and ensure the best interests of children are considered.
Campaign Phone
6142455344
Occupation
Attorney
Education
B.A. in Political Science, University of Cincinnati; JD, University of Dayton; MBA, Xavier University
Qualifications for Office
I have twenty-five years of experience practicing exclusively domestic relations and juvenile law. I built my career helping those who are traditionally underserved. While working for Hamilton County Juvenile Court, I managed the Recovery Court, Mental Health Court and Mediation programs.
I have twenty-five years of experience practicing exclusively domestic relations and juvenile law. I built my career helping those who are traditionally underserved. While working for Hamilton County Juvenile Court, I managed the Recovery Court, Mental Health Court and Mediation programs. I then worked for the Legal Aid Society of Columbus in its Family Law Unit, where I represented survivors of domestic violence. During my time at Columbus Legal Aid, I represented hundreds of clients in divorces, civil protection orders, and private custody matters. I left Legal Aid to start my own law firm, where I was able to branch out and practice juvenile law as well. I have the breadth and depth of experience necessary to be a successful judge.
I have devoted my entire legal career to practicing domestic and juvenile law. I love helping people who are going through difficult times. Through my law practice I have been able to help many people; however, if I become judge, I will be able to help on a systemic level.
At the trial court level, it is essential to follow legal precedent. It is not the trial court judge’s role to create new law. In Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, there are many areas that leave room for discretion. It is a court of equity; therefore, it is essential to take the time to listen to all the litigants and make a decision that is as fair as possible. In cases involving children, it is essential to focus on the best interest of the children. It takes time and patience in order to ascertain what is in a child’s best interest. My deep knowledge of the subject matter, coupled with patience and consistency, will increase public confidence in the court.
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Campaign Phone
614-638-8593
Occupation
Judge - Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court
Education
JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, BA from the University of Akron Elementary School Certification K-8, Ohio Dominican University
Qualifications for Office
Six years as Judge. Twenty years as private counsel and court appointed attorney representing parents and children in the Domestic and Juvenile Courts. Twenty years as a criminal defense attorney representing juvenile and adult clients in central Ohio counties. Twenty years representing juveniles with the possibility of being transferred from the Juvenile justice system to the Adult Crim. System
As the incumbent Judge, I have gained valuable experience beyond my twenty years of private and court appointed experience. Prior to being elected to the bench, I have
represented parents and children in several central Ohio counties. For more than 15 years, I have been one of a handful criminal defense attorneys qualified to represent
Juveniles facing serious adult crimes where the State is seeking to transfer the juvenile from the Juvenile justice system to the Criminal Justice system. That juvenile, if
transferred, will face adult charges with adult penalties and sentences.
I have also presided over and represented many Jane Doe minors seeking the consent of the court to allow Jane Doe the right to terminate a pregnancy.
It is the seat I have the most experience in, as the current incumbent Judge. Additionally, this area of law is where my experience is concentrated as a private and court appointed attorney in Franklin County and other central Ohio counties.
As a trial Judge, I am obligated to follow established legal precedent. in my District (10th) and as set by the Supreme Court of Ohio. When the current precedent is not perfectly aligned with the fact pattern and evidence before the court, I believe the judge may decide the matter inconsistent
with the precedent and potentially establish new case law precedent. As Judge, I now have several cases as precedent in the Tenth District.
I believe when a Judge follows precedent established by that Judges District and Supreme Court, the public confidence in the judicial system is strengthened. Litigants have a right to expect Judges will follow the laws and case precedent regardless of the current political climate in the
community we serve.
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