November Family Law Breakfast:
Domestic Violence and Family Law

Thursday, Nov. 4 • 7:30 a.m.
The Old Courthouse

The Hon. Robert J. Castellani, the Hon. Janis Gordon and Kim Frndak of the Women’s Resource Center will discuss Domestic Violence and Family Law from their own unique perspectives. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Castellani is one of the few judges who hears petitions under the Family Violence Act rather than assigning the matter to a magistrate. He sees families in turmoil, often already in the midst of a divorce. He says he is keenly aware of some of the ethical dilemmas we as attorneys may face when we have clients in these situations. Judge Castellani presides over these matters and addresses issues of custody and support intermingled with issues or incidents of domestic violence. Having handled many of these matters he is also aware of the resources available to families caught in the grip of DV.

State Court Judge Janis Gordon’s view is that of offenders who have been arrested and/or are repeat offenders of domestic violence. Judge Gordon initiated the DeKalb County WATCH program, designed to aid victims of domestic violence by making defendants more accountable for acts of family violence. Specifically, the program provides court oversight of those defendants sentenced to attend domestic violence intervention programs, and ensures participation in and completion of the required classes. Judge Gordon also instituted the SAFE program, which provides domestic violence intervention classes to inmates in the DeKalb County Jail.

Kim Frndak comes to us from the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.
The center works with women and children impacted by domestic violence at various stages on their journey toward safety and self discovery. WRC seeks to provide women with choices for their futures and emotional support as they make decisions for themselves and their families. This organization seeks to create a society in which domestic violence no longer exists. It strives to meet the immediate needs of battered women and their children by providing safe emergency housing and supportive services, while challenging the systems that uphold violence through education and advocacy.

See a recap of the October breakfast here.