The Role of a Family Court Judge
Lisa Neilson
Henry Gornbein speaks with Lisa Neilson, a candidate for the Oakland County Michigan Circuit Court with over a decade of experience as a family court judge. Lisa discusses her specialized approach and how her background in law, mediation, and social work helps her navigate the emotional and psychological complexities of family law. She emphasizes the importance of being a "predictable" judge—one who follows the law strictly while ensuring every individual feels heard. The conversation explores the broad scope and variety of cases handled in family court, from divorce and business valuations to child protection and domestic violence. At 60, Lisa reflects on how her life experience and continued education drive her commitment to improving outcomes for families in the community.