A message from Chris
My background.
I am a lifelong Democrat and District Leader on my local Democratic Committee, supporting candidates through petitioning, canvassing and donations.
I began as a civil rights attorney in 1995, focusing on protecting children and families. In NY State Court, we represented those needing public counsel while building our federal practice. A key achievement was changing how child protective services treats domestic violence victims - shifting from wrongly blaming them for "engaging in domestic violence" to helping them escape abuse.
At Westchester's Timko and Moses firm, I practice family law and serve on the 18B panel providing free legal representation. I handle custody, domestic violence, child support, and abuse cases, along with matrimonial work in Supreme Court.
Some needed reform.
Consider a mother of three working a minimum-wage job facing an abusive partner. Seeking protection triggers a cascade of mandatory services through CPS: mental health evaluations for all family members, parenting classes, and more. While managing her safety and housing stability, she must coordinate multiple appointments with months-long waitlists, arrange transportation, and risk her employment. Current policy requires completion of standardized service requirements before CPS supervision ends, regardless of individual needs.
Family court judges need authority to mandate targeted, accessible services rather than generic checklists. Without reformed coordination between courts, agencies, and providers, these systemic burdens on domestic violence survivors will persist.
In closing.
Before I wrap up, I did want to tell you a little about myself. I am a married father of three college aged children, living in Chappaqua.
I know there is a stereotype about lawyers who live in Chappaqua, but I would ask that you remind yourselves that these are just stereotypes. I have dedicated my career to helping those in need of high quality legal services, regardless of their means to pay, which has obviously impacted my own family. Also, I am a Quaker. My parents exposed us to all religions and allowed us to choose our own when we were teenagers. My mother and I had always felt most comfortable at the Friends Meeting House and so I joined her in practicing Quakerism.
I hope I have helped you to learn a little more about me and I hope to earn your support for Westchester Family Court Judge.
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