What is the difference between Family and General Bench?

Written By Joe Hagedorn

In most counties, judges handle a variety of case and may rotate between different areas of law. However, in Multnomah County, the court is divided into two main groups.

General Bench: Handles civil and criminal cases.

Family Bench: Handles cases involving family matters, including:

  • Juvenile cases

  • Protective orders (like restraining orders for family, elder, or stalking)

  • Domestic relations (such as divorce or custody)

  • Guardianships

  • Probate

The Family Bench focuses on legal matters involving families, while the General Bench handles broader civil and criminal cases.

Joe Hagedorn

My name is Joe Hagedorn, and I am running for Judge of the District Court in Multnomah County in the November 2026 election. My core values are compassion, integrity and fairness. As a public defender and judge pro tem/referee, I’ve worked on the issues that shape kids’ lives: custody, juvenile justice, and families in crisis. I hear cases every day involving people in crisis, and so I understand the difficult, high-stakes situations facing children and families who appear in court, especially those who lack the assistance of an attorney. I know that when people come before me in the courtroom, they must talk about and relive the worst day of their life. I keep this in mind to weave empathy and compassion through my interactions and deliberations. I operate with the hope that my trauma-informed, empathetic approach to the people who appear before me can provide a foundation to empowering people to make positive changes in their lives.

https://www.hagedornforjudge.com
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