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Melissa Peper A. Firestone

Melissa Peper A. Firestone

For Judge of the Henry County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations/Juvenile Division
Full Term Beginning 1/1/2023

*Top Vote-Getter in General Election

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Napoleon
  • Email
    mpeperfirestone@henrycountyfamilycourt.com
  • Social Media
  • Age
    64
  • Occupation
    Magistrate, Henry County Common Pleas Domestic Relations Court
  • Education

    1981 undergraduate degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

    1991 juris doctorate from University of Toledo

  • Work Experience

    Began my career as a journalist/reporter  for the Lima News and editor of the Swanton Enterprise. Then became assistant director of public relations at Bowling Green State University. After law school, I taught college level classes at Xi'an Foreign Languages University in Xi'an, China. 
    Upon returning to the US, I began private practice in Napoleon, Ohio at Peper Law Firm in domestic relations law, probate and real estate law.

    I became an assistant prosecutor first doing the civil area and then moving to juvenile, abuse, neglect and dependency and family intervention court. 
    In 2020 I became the magistrate in the Domestic Relations Court.

  • Family
    Married to Dan Firestone, two sons: Carson and Wyeth
  • Affiliations

    I am a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Waterville, Ohio, where I have served on council and many committees

    Past board member and Vice President of Northwest Ohio Synod Council. Past board member and chair of Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Bexley, Ohio

    Board member of Henry County Hospital, Foundation Board

    Board member of Symphony of Trees, Napoleon, chair and member of affliated committees

    Member of Association Family and Conciliation Courts; also member and past board member of its Ohio division

    Member of Henry County Bar Association

    Member of Ohio State Bar Association

Photo of Melissa Peper A. Firestone Melissa Peper A. Firestone

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Magistrate of Henry County Domestic Relations Court 2020 to present


Question 2

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

Was assistant prosecutor in juvenile court and Family Intervention Court


Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

The current judge, Her honorable Denise Herman McColley is retiring. I desire to take her place.