Analysis of custody decisions and father's rights in Ohio courts
This page provides an objective analysis of how Franklin County family court judges rule on custody cases, particularly focusing on their treatment of fathers in custody decisions. Our report cards grade judges based on their average custody distribution between parents, with special focus on how often they grant equal 50/50 parenting time.
Our grades are based on a statistical analysis of each judge's rulings in custody cases over the past five years. We gathered data through public records requests and court case analysis. The primary factor in our grading system is the average percentage of parenting time awarded to fathers in contested custody cases.
Consistently awards 50/50 parenting time
(45-50% father time)
Often awards significant father time
(40-44% father time)
Average father time with traditional schedules
(30-39% father time)
Below average father parenting time
(25-29% father time)
Severely restricted father time
(Less than 25% father time)
We've added a community voting feature that allows anyone to vote on judges based on their personal experiences. Use the thumbs-up and thumbs-down buttons to register your opinion. The judges can be sorted by user ratings to show community consensus. Each user can vote once per judge (stored on your local device), and you can change your vote at any time.
Information about political affiliation and estimated fundraising amounts is included to provide additional context about each judge's background and potential influences.
Important Note: These grades reflect statistical averages and may not predict the outcome of individual cases. Each case has unique circumstances. If you believe a judge has shown bias in your case, consider filing a complaint with the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct. Our report aims to bring transparency to the family court system and advocate for equal parenting rights.
| Judge Information | Judge Data | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
Judge George W. LeachCourt Room: 61 Bailiff: Zozan Haji |
Grade
D
Political Affiliation
Democrat
Est. Funds Raised
$175,000
Equal Time %
5%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Leach occasionally allows for expanded father visitation beyond the standard schedule but rarely awards equal parenting time. Our analysis shows approximately 5% of his contested cases result in 50/50 arrangements, with most cases receiving standard visitation plus some additional time. Judge Leach shows more openness to father involvement than some colleagues but still maintains a preference for maternal primary custody. |
Judge Monica HawkinsCourt Room: 62 Bailiff: Kelli Johnson Administrative Judge |
Grade
F
Political Affiliation
Democrat
Est. Funds Raised
$145,000
Equal Time %
1%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Hawkins has the lowest rate of equal parenting time awards in our analysis. She awards 50/50 custody in less than 1% of contested cases and frequently restricts fathers to less than standard visitation schedules, averaging just 20% parenting time. Judge Hawkins consistently demonstrates a strong bias toward maternal custody. |
Judge Elizabeth GillCourt Room: 63 Bailiff: Julia Grundei |
Grade
F
Political Affiliation
Democrat
Est. Funds Raised
$165,000
Equal Time %
2%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Gill rarely awards equal parenting time in contested cases. Our analysis indicates she awards 50/50 custody in less than 2% of cases. She typically defaults to standard visitation schedules, giving fathers approximately 23% parenting time. Judge Gill demonstrates a clear preference for maternal primary custody in most cases. |
Judge James BrownCourt Room: 64 Bailiff: Angie Evans |
Grade
D
Political Affiliation
Democrat
Est. Funds Raised
$195,000
Equal Time %
3%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Brown is one of the worst, his "aww shucks" attitude and "women savior" complex don't mesh well as he enriches himself with kickbacks from the very lawers he's ment to judge against. Firms like Tony Grecco has donates $10's of thousands every election cycle that goes straing into Judge Brown's pocket. Judge James Brown will occasionally awards fathers more than the bare minimum standard visitation but never seems to grant equal parenting time. Our analysis shows he awards 50/50 custody in approximately 3% of contested cases. His typical schedule gives fathers about 26% parenting time. Subjectivly, he is pure evil. His court maintains very strict requirements for fathers seeking equal time, including proximity to the mother's residence and demonstrated child care history. |
Judge Douglas NoblesCourt Room: 65 Bailiff: Corey Sheppard |
Grade
D
Political Affiliation
Republican
Est. Funds Raised
$155,000
Equal Time %
4%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Nobles shows moderate improvement compared to some colleagues but still maintains maternal custody preference. He awards equal parenting time in about 4% of contested cases, primarily when fathers have exceptional legal representation. While slightly more open to father involvement, Judge Nobles still places heavy burdens on fathers seeking equal time. |
Judge Lasheyl StroudCourt Room: 66 Bailiff: Aeriol L. Scruggs Lead Juvenile Judge |
Grade
D
Political Affiliation
Democrat
Est. Funds Raised
$150,000
Equal Time %
3%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Stroud awards 50/50 custody at a rate of approximately 3%. She typically defaults to standard visitation schedules with occasional allowances for expanded visitation during summer months. Judge Stroud places significant emphasis on the "stability" narrative that often works against equal parenting time. |
Judge Kim A. BrowneCourt Room: 67 Bailiff: Kim Dorsey |
Grade
F
Political Affiliation
Democrat
Est. Funds Raised
$190,000
Equal Time %
2%
User Rating
0
|
Judge Browne rarely awards 50/50 parenting time to fathers, even when they actively seek equal custody. In our analysis of her recent cases, only 2% of contested custody cases resulted in equal parenting time. She typically defaults to traditional schedules giving fathers only every other weekend. Judge Browne shows a strong preference for maternal custody in most cases. |
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