Heather L. Cady

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
2015-2020, Butler County Common Pleas Probate Division Magistrate and Court Administrator Bench experience presiding over all areas of Probate Court for hundreds of cases including: adoption hearings, civil commitments, forced medication hearings, guardianships, abuse & dependency hearings, and estates. 2014-2015, Private Practice Attorney Specialized in the practice of probate matters in Butler, Hamilton, Preble and Warren counties in Ohio. Also, handled litigation, criminal defense, civil contracts and corporate counsel cases. 2003-2014, Butler County Common Pleas General Division Magistrate Bench experience presiding over civil jury trials, criminal arraignments, probation violation hearings, and civil stalking protection petitions. Presided over drug court specialized docket. Performed research and writing for civil and criminal orders for the court. 2001-2003 Butler County Common Pleas General Division Law Clerk Responsible to managing incoming motions and entries for the court. Research and writing for civil and criminal motions. 1999-2001 Johnson County Superior Court II Law Clerk Research and writing for civil and criminal court decisions. Managing and tracking all incoming motions and entries. Notable cases worked includes the first capital murder case in Johnson County, Indiana.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Court administrator for Butler County Probate Court since 2015 – Manage probate court’s million dollar budget – Supervise over 20 staff members – Manage the implementation and improvement of local court operating procedures – Responsible for court resources to process all cases through probate court – Managed team pursuing and winning a grant from Ohio Supreme Court valued at 90,000 to upgrade the case management system to offer more services on-line and help with the efficiency and processing of the 65,000 documents filed each year. Graduate of the Ohio Supreme Court Management Program, certified court manager – Ohio Supreme Court program to train court administration leaders with the latest management skills including human resources, budget management, and operating procedures as well as providing a forum for best practice sharing across the state. Instructor for Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College continuing legal education classes; Instructor for local bar association members for continuing legal education; Other work experience includes prosecutor office victim advocate, paralegal and social worker; Obtained 12 scholarships and academic achievements to graduate with undergraduate and law degrees

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am passionate about pro-life choices. As the Probate Court Judge I can educate and offer adoption over abortion. I also deeply care about our elderly and disabled population. The guardianship program in Butler County is one of the top in the nation due to retaining a court investigator and team of experts to assist the guardians and wards as issues arise. Butler County Probate Court is a national leader in the mental health and civil commitment process. It is important for our community to assist individuals with mental illness to maintain a productive lifestyle outside of civil commitment or prison.

Butler County Probate Court is also on the forefront of civil assistance with abuse and dependency issues and treatment. As Probate Judge, it is important to allow people the ability to fight addiction. I feel it is of the utmost importance for people to have a voice and want to continue to educate the population regarding completing their health care directives and legal documents.

I have dedicated my career to public service, including 15 years as a magistrate in Butler County. I am committed to people and their Constitutional Rights. My background gives me a deep appreciation and understanding of the issues and concerns unique to the probate court. As the next Butler County Probate Court Judge, I promise to continue to serve our community and deliver Justice compassionately, efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.