About Francine Goldberg

Judge, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, since December 2014. Judge Goldberg has presided over hundreds of domestic relations cases with issues including divorce, dissolution, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), property division, asset/debt division, restraining orders, and domestic violence civil protection orders. Judge Goldberg also reviews and analyzes financial issues such as business valuations, division of retirement/pension benefits, and tax implications when marriages terminate. Judge Goldberg emphasizes efficiency and effective case management. This focus has allowed her to maintain one of the Court’s most successful dockets.

Since being elected to the bench, Judge Goldberg has focused on improving courthouse technology to make our courts more efficient. In 2019, Judge Goldberg spearheaded the development of CourtConnect, a free mobile app designed for litigants and attorneys in Domestic Relations Court. CourtConnect is the first app that gives Cuyahoga County families instant, 24-7 access to their cases. To find out more about Judge Goldberg's role in developing CourtConnect, Click Here to read an article from the Beachwood Buzz.

Judge Goldberg believes it is important to treat all litigants with compassion, dignity and respect. She also brings a unique approach to the bench, as she has performed dozens of marriages in her courtroom (sometimes marrying former litigants from her divorce cases!), has established “The Wall of Happiness” – photos of litigants satisfied with the court process even in the divorce setting – and enjoys speaking to students and community organizations about her role as a Domestic Relations judge, and the justice system as a whole.

Previously, Judge Goldberg participated in over 100 trials as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecuting Attorney for more than 24 years. She served as Director of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Director of Special Projects, and was a member of office's Major Trial Unit, Community Based Prosecution Unit, and Cold Case Task Force. A three-term University Heights Councilwoman, Judge Goldberg also served four years as Vice Mayor. She is a graduate of both The Ohio State University (1986, Cum Laude) and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (1990). Judge Goldberg has received numerous awards including: Public Servant of the Year for the City of University Heights (2013); Cleveland Jewish News “18 Difference Makers” (Class of 2017); and the inaugural Golda Meir Award from NA’AMAT USA-Cleveland Council (2018). Judge Goldberg is also a Beachwood High School graduate, and in 2009 she was inducted into the Beachwood High School Gallery of Success. Judge Goldberg’s greatest accomplishment and most rewarding experience has been raising four children, together with her husband, David.

EXPERIENCE

Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, 1991-2014

Major Trial Unit

Director, Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force - 2008-2011

Elder Abuse and Exploitation Unit

Cold Case Unit

Community Prosecution Unit, City of Cleveland, First and Second Police Districts

Coordinator, Operation Child Protect (Child ID Initiative)

ELECTED OFFICIAL/CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Vice-Mayor, University Heights, Ohio, appointed in 2010-2013

Councilwoman At-Large, University Heights, Ohio, 2002-2013

City Leader, University Heights Democratic Party, 2002-2005, 2006-2011

Executive Committee Member, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, 2002-2011

Northeast Ohio City Council Association, 2002-2013

Project Love, Board of Trustees, 2009-present

Hebrew Academy, Board of Trustees, 2010-2012

Cleveland Jewish News, Board of Trustees, 2005-2011

Fuchs Mizrachi School, Board of Trustees, 2006-2009

AWARDS

University Heights Public Servant of the Year, 2013

Beachwood High School Gallery of Success, 2009

Second District Police Community Relations “Award of Appreciation” for dedication to the Cleveland Police Department and City of Cleveland, 2004

EDUCATION

Francine Goldberg with her family

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Juris Doctor Degree, 1990, Admitted to Ohio Bar, 1991

The Ohio State University, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, 1986

Beachwood High School, Beachwood, Ohio, 1982

PERSONAL

Married to David 32 years

Proud parent of Noah, Orly, Koby, and Sophie