Candidate for Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court Judge
 

I am a mother of three, a dedicated attorney, and a 30-year advocate for families in Hamilton County. Throughout my career as a mediator, litigator, and Guardian ad Litem (GAL), I have seen firsthand that family court isn't just about legal statutes—it’s about the people we love and the lives we build.

 

Why This Election Matters to You
 

Most people don't think about Domestic Relations Court until they have to. But the reality is that family court touches almost everyone. Whether it is a sibling, a neighbor, a colleague, or your own personal journey, we all know someone who has navigated the pain of a family in transition.
 

Early in my career, two of my first cases were deeply personal: one for my childhood best friend and one for my own brother. Watching their "white picket fence" dreams shift taught me a vital lesson: A Domestic Relations Judge holds the architecture of your daily life in their hands.

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The Power of Three
 

In Hamilton County, there are only three Judges in the Domestic Relations division. These three individuals make the final decisions on:
 

• Your Children: Custody, parenting time, and child support.

• Your Security: Protection orders for victims of domestic violence.

• Your Future: Divorce settlements, retirement accounts, business ownership, and debt.
   

When a family is in crisis, these Judges decide when you see your children on Thanksgiving and whether you can keep your home. You deserve a Judge who understands that this is the hardest thing you will ever go through.

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A Vision for a Modern, Fair Court

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For the first time in Hamilton County history, we have the opportunity to change the face of family court. Alongside Anne Flottman, I am running to ensure our court system actually serves the people it represents.

If elected, my priorities are:

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• Accessibility: It is unacceptable that parents must use precious vacation or sick time just to file a document. We need a "family-friendly" court with hours that reflect the reality of working residents.

• Transparency: No one should sit in a courthouse hallway feeling unheard or confused. I will work to ensure litigants understand the process and feel their voices are respected.

• Representation: Of the dozens of professionals working in our court system, the diversity of Hamilton County is not reflected on the bench or in the magistracy. It is time for a court that looks like the community it serves.

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Not a Stepping Stone, But a Calling

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For me, this bench is not an afterthought or a political stepping stone. It is where I have spent nearly 25 years of my life. I know this court, I know its flaws, and I know how to fix them.

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My goal is to help families restructure themselves with dignity, helping them move forward without being torn apart.

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I’m Manisha Kotian, and I’m asking for your vote to bring experience, empathy, and equity to the Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court.