News and Notes

Cuyahoga County, Ohio: The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division Judges have nominated and elected Judge Diane M. Palos as Administrative Judge for a two-year term, commencing January 1, 2024. Judge Palos previously served as Administrative Judge of the Domestic Relations Court from 2010 through 2015.

After successfully providing leadership as Administrative Judge for six years, Administrative Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze decided to turn her focus to Court projects, including her new program addressing domestic violence, the Parenting After Violence (PAVE) Program.

During her tenure as Administrative Judge, Judge Celebrezze streamlined and updated internal policies and procedures and implemented new processes and technology to enhance services provided to the public.

Judge Celebrezze said, “When I began serving as Administrative Judge in 2018, my priority was to ensure that all aspects of Domestic Relations Court ran as efficiently as possible in an effort to improve the experience of our litigants and the community we serve.”

Celebrezze continued, “Under my leadership, the Court expanded access to justice through creation of the Navigation Services Help Center and enhanced the availability of technology for litigants including text notifications, e-Notary pilot, Online Dispute Resolution pilot, and the soon to be released Virtual Help Center, providing 24/7 online assistance with forms and documents.

Perhaps most notably, Judge Celebrezze led the Court through the challenges of the pandemic, swiftly adopting methods and procedures to meet changing needs. Judge Celebrezze’s governance allowed the Domestic Relations Court to maintain operations throughout the pandemic and continue the important work of administering fair and impartial justice.

Judge Celebrezze concluded, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Administrative Judge the past six years and look forward to the advancements the Court will make under Judge Palos’ tenure.”