Longtime Magistrate Jeffrey Black Runs for Lake County Domestic Relations Judge

Black, a Republican, touts his 25 years of family law experience and prior elected office as key qualifications.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom with wooden benches and a judge's bench, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight that casts deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of judicial responsibility.An experienced magistrate seeks to bring his expertise and vision for reform to the Lake County Domestic Relations Court.Willoughby Today

Jeffrey Black, a 69-year-old Republican, is running for the position of Lake County Domestic Relations Judge in the May 2026 election. Black currently serves as a magistrate in the Lake County Domestic Relations Court and has over 25 years of experience in family law. He previously served as a Willoughby City Councilman-at-Large from 2004 to 2018.

Why it matters

The Lake County Domestic Relations Court handles sensitive family matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support. Black's extensive experience as a magistrate in this court, as well as his prior elected experience, could make him a strong candidate to take on the role of judge.

The details

As a magistrate, Black says he has worked to help develop new case management software for the court and create better filing forms to make the process easier for attorneys and pro se parties. If elected, he plans to continue focusing on improving court efficiency and providing timely decisions on family law cases.

  • Jeffrey Black has served as a magistrate in the Lake County Domestic Relations Court for the past 3+ years.
  • Black previously served as a Willoughby City Councilman-at-Large from 2004 to 2018.
  • The election for Lake County Domestic Relations Judge will take place in May 2026.

The players

Jeffrey Black

A 69-year-old Republican running for the position of Lake County Domestic Relations Judge. Black currently serves as a magistrate in the Lake County Domestic Relations Court and has over 25 years of experience in family law. He previously served as a Willoughby City Councilman-at-Large from 2004 to 2018.

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What they’re saying

“My legal and administrative experience makes me uniquely qualified for this position.”

— Jeffrey Black, Candidate for Lake County Domestic Relations Judge

What’s next

The election for Lake County Domestic Relations Judge will take place in May 2026.

The takeaway

Black's extensive experience as a magistrate in the Lake County Domestic Relations Court, as well as his prior elected experience as a city councilman, could make him a strong candidate to take on the role of judge. His focus on improving court efficiency and providing timely decisions on family law cases could resonate with voters.