The Marryin' Judge of Marion County

07/19/2025

Thankful to this small but mighty team of Marion County, Oregon court clerks, and glad to celebrate them at the MCBA court staff appreciation lunch! You all do incredible things, and I am so proud to be part of your team!

By the way, we're growing -- pull up a chair and join us!

Link to open court clerk position here -- https://www.co.marion.or.us/HR/pages/jobs.aspx

07/19/2025

My family and I were to pleased to honor CASA of Marion County Oregon volunteers with a thank you dinner at our house. A CASA literally changed the direction of my child's life. In a system that is nominally about protecting children, the CASA is the only participant whose sole focus is the foster child's well-being. I am forever grateful for the time and energy CASA volunteers pour into Marion County's most vulnerable kids. Thanks also to Vanessa Nordyke and Susie Rice for their work on this event. Rock stars, every one of you.

07/18/2025

Today I had eviction cases in Spanish [check], French [check], Russian [half-check] and Chuukese. Ok, you got me there. I don't know Chuukese.

07/08/2025

I met the cutest ring bearer today.

06/08/2025

The most Portland thing ever: weddings in a romance bookstore: Grand Gesture books.

06/02/2025

I like a fancy wedding dress as much as the next guy, but my favorite weddings are the kind where people bring their whole personalities to celebrate what really matters to them.

06/02/2025

I often tell couples that I hope they keep something that's just for them -- something apart from their kids, apart from work and daily life. It's important to keep some sacred time for them as a couple, because it'd important to feed the relationship. I think Carlos and Jennifer are doing it right. Congratulations.

05/29/2025

Today, a Salem Parks and recreation worker spontaneously trimmed a few rose bushes to make a bridal bouquet. Salem's a great town!

04/12/2025

I've come to the point in my career where people think I *know* stuff, so they invite me to do fancy things, like be a keynote speaker. This feels uncomfortable. I have no special knowledge. I'm just here doing my best, like everybody else, having some success but also making some mistakes. But even if I don't know anything special, these events fill my cup. The law students I meet here energize and inspire me.

02/18/2025

See the photos: Justice Justin Kidd and Justice Pro Tempore Rachael Federico marry couples from across the Willamette Valley on Valentine's Day.

02/18/2025

https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/02/14/marion-county-justice-court-valentines-day-weddings/78466661007/

Couples weathered the remains of the snow and ice on Friday for Valentine's Day weddings at the Marion County Justice Court.

02/18/2025

https://nbc16.com/news/local/winter-storm-cant-stop-valentines-day-weddings-in-marion-county

Despite a winter storm that closed schools across the city, love prevailed in Marion County this Valentine's Day.