Philadelphia, PA is a diverse “majority minority” city. Unfortunately, the Court does not reflect the culturally rich community it serves. The result is someone making critical decisions affecting families with no frame of reference to the cultural norms of others. My name is Janine Dunlap Momasso, I am a wife and mother of two busy boys, and a Family Law Attorney. Moreover, I will be a fair, effective, and inclusive judge for Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia, and I am seeking your support today.
At Villanova University School of Law, I learned most people with family law cases represented themselves pro se. Family law includes divorce, custody matters, child support and domestic violence. The average working family cannot afford thousands of dollars for a retainer to hire a lawyer. I resolved to offer this underserved community quality legal services at affordable prices.
While spending time in various courtrooms, I witnessed disturbing incidents from the bench including judges who refuse to refer to transgender persons by their identified gender and name, even after specifically telling the judge to do so. Another judge in Philadelphia harasses litigants who need the court-appointed interpreter, and tells them we speak English in America. I have witnessed judges embarrass litigants on their speech and choice of words (they are not using proper English). Everyone who appears before a judge should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their socio-economic, cultural, or LGBTQ+ background.
I am committed to serve the citizens of Philadelphia with compassion, patience and respect. Showing compassion and being just are not mutually exclusive!
Please help me ascend to the bench by pressing BUTTON #22 for MOMASSO FOR JUDGE on May 21, 2019 and supporting my efforts here. Thank you for your consideration.
