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Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judge Domestic Relations Division - Term Begins 1/2/2025

Responsibilities: To hear all divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and annulment cases as well as civil domestic violence cases for residents of Montgomery County. In addition, the court maintains jurisdiction over post-decree matters such as child custody, child support, parenting time issues, spousal support, and other related matters. Term of office: 6 years.Additional information about judicial candidates may be available at JudicialVotesCount.org.

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    Jennifer A. Petrella
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Education Wheeling Jesuit College, 1995: Bachelor of Arts, History and Laut Honors Degrees, Cum Laude University of Dayton School of Law, 1998: Juris Doctor; Certified Court Manager
Experience 1997 - 2015 Montgomery County Juvenile Court; 2015 - Current Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court - Court Administrator, Part-time Magistrate; Univeristy of Dayton School of Law, Adjunct Professor (2022- Present)
2015 - Current Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court - Court Adminstrator and Magistrate
Judges are required to have legal experience to take their seats, but they also wear so many other administrative hats while serving in their positions. They are the ultimate decider and ones responsible for all that occurs in their Court. As a Court Administrator, I work hand-in-hand with both of my Judges in the daily operations of the Court. This includes the management of staff, from onboarding to termination and retirement. I am point person for security matters for the Courts and oversee human resources. I go out into the community to educate constituents about Court resources, introduce them to staff and connect them with persons who can assist them in resolving their issues. I assist the Judges by representing them and our Court's interests in county-wide meetings. I also work with them daily and run the court business. I oversee the annual budget, daily expernditures and payroll / salary reviews. We recognize that this 'business' is paid for by tax payers monies, and so we together work diligently to look for additional funding sources. I have been successful in pulling down both federal dollars and grant funds to supplement local taxpayer dollars in running our programs. I have collaborated with local officals and state entities to enhance access to the Court.
The families and individuals of Montgomery County requiring the services of Domestic Relations Court DESERVE a Judge, who is empassioned about providing them with access to a court experience that not only meets their needs, but shows empathy, while deliverying an equitable and fair result.

I have worked in Domestic Relations Court for the past 9 years, and I am a recognized leader for the Court with the local bar and agencies throughout the County. I am prepared to transition into the role as Judge. I not only hear cases as a Magistrate, but I am the ONLY person who is familiar with the administrative responsibilities that a Judge in our division faces. My county and state-wide connections are ready to start working with me on future projects to make our community safer and to enhance service to our public.

I have dedicated my entire life to serving Montgomery County - families, children and those seeking a life in a safe environment, free from domestic violence. I not only work above and beyond for those coming to the Court, but I freely give of my time, working to make my community stronger and safer. I FIND PURPOSE IN THE SERVICE I PROVIDE EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I WOULD BE PROUD TO SERVE AS YOUR NEXT DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURT JUDGE.