Child custody, divorce, adoptions: The winner of this judicial race will handle tough cases

One candidate says her experience as a prosecutor handling child neglect and abuse cases has prepared her to be a family court judge.

Her opponent says her experience in cases involving divorce, child custody and domestic violence make her ready to put on a judge’s robe.

Voters must choose Tuesday between Libby Messer and Eileen O’Brien.

Messer, a former assistant county attorney for 10 years, was appointed family court judge by Gov. Matt Bevin in January. She filled a vacancy left by Tim Philpot’s retirement after 14 years on the bench.

“The bulk of what I do is … is where I have been my whole career,” Messer said.

O’Brien has practiced in all aspects of family court law, such as divorce, custodial issues and adoptions.

“I think you can make a difference if you’re on the bench and you’re willing to bring the expertise you’ve developed to bear,” O’Brien said.

Messer seeks to finish the unexpired term that ends in 2022. That year, an election will be held for a full eight-year term.

A family court judge is equivalent to a circuit judge and is paid $127,733 a year.

In addition to her work with the county attorney’s office, Messer served on task forces and committees to develop best practices and services for child dependency along with neglect and abuse cases. She worked with the school system to prevent truancy.

She also served on the board of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, who represent the best interests of children in court.

In addition, “I have three kids of my own … so I can empathize with what these parents are going through,” Messer said. “Even if I don’t rule in their favor, I hope they feel ‘OK, she heard me, she understood me.’”

O’Brien said she knows the impact that the opioid crisis has had on families and how that affects cases coming before family court.

“That’s why grandparents are raising grandchildren,” O’Brien said. “It’s a lot of the reason why people are having custody fights, because one or the other or both parents have active addiction issues. … You have to make some determinations based on your experience and what you know works.”

For 31 years, O’Brien has been a board member of Chrysalis House, a residential treatment center for women recovering from addiction and their children.

Messer has raised $22,506 and spent $13,690.14, according to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. O’Brien has raised $42,144.73 and spent $37,506.42.

Libby Messer

Date of birth: June 23, 1981

Education: Bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communications from University of Kentucky, 2003; law degree, UK, 2007.

Public office: Appointed as family court judge earlier this year.

Family: Husband, Will; two sons and a daughter

Website: keepjudgemesser.com

Eileen O’Brien

Date of birth: April 28, 1955

Education: Bachelor’s degree in history and political science, Transylvania University, 1977; law degree, University of Kentucky, 1981.

Public office: None.

Family: Single.

Website: obrienfamilycourt.com