Delaware — Governor Matt Meyer has officially nominated Jennifer Donahue for the newly created judgeship on the Sussex County Family Court. This appointment is pending confirmation by the Delaware State Senate.
Donahue brings 24 years of legal experience focused on family law and child welfare, marked by a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in Delaware. She has extensive trial expertise in civil and criminal matters within Family and Superior Courts, specializing in child abuse, sexual assault cases, and advocacy for abused and neglected children. Most recently, Donahue served as Deputy Attorney General in the Special Victims Unit at the Delaware Department of Justice. Her prior roles include Deputy Child Advocate and Investigation Coordinator with the State Office of the Child Advocate. She has represented a wide range of litigants in Family Court, handling divorce, domestic violence, dependency, neglect, and juvenile criminal cases.
Governor Meyer emphasized Donahue’s “trial expertise, communication skills, and broad knowledge of the law,” highlighting her ability to make well-informed decisions for Sussex County families. Donahue’s public service also includes participation on the Child Protection Accountability Commission and co-drafting “Aiden’s Law,” legislation addressing child protection, which was enacted in 2018. In 2017, she received the Muriel E. Gilman Family Advocacy Award for her work on substance abuse impacts on children.
Her confirmation would fill a critical role in Delaware’s family court system, reinforcing the focus on child welfare and legal integrity.
Jennifer Donahue, Nominee, Sussex County Family Court Judge
Photo: Delaware.gov