---
title: "Karen DeSanto Kellogg | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/karen-desanto-kellogg"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Karen DeSanto Kellogg

Ashland Co. Probate/Juvenile Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Ashland Co. Probate/Juvenile Court
- State: Ohio
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing exhibits

Scope: statewide

Ohio's statewide virtual-court guidance tells courts to include instructions for submitting exhibits or notifying the court of witnesses when remote-hearing information is sent to participants.

Evidence excerpt: Instructions for submitting exhibits or notifying the court of witnesses.

[Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing ground rules

Scope: statewide

Ohio's statewide virtual-court guidance recommends advance ground rules for documents, exhibits, screen sharing, and pre-marking exhibits for remote hearings.

Evidence excerpt: Documents: Share any documents/exhibits that will be reviewed in advance. Use the share screen function while documents are being discussed during the hearing. Request that the documents are pre-marked for exhibit purposes.

[Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote recording

Scope: statewide

Ohio's statewide virtual-court guidance states that litigants, attorneys, and the public should be instructed not to record the hearing.

Evidence excerpt: The court should instruct the litigants, attorneys, and the public to not record the hearing.

[Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ohiojudges.org/directory/ojc-directory/)
- [Official roster](https://www.ohiojudges.org/directory/ojc-directory/)
- [Ohio Judicial Conference Directory official judicial roster](https://www.ohiojudges.org/directory/ojc-directory/)
- [Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge Kellogg is registered as a Republican and is running for re-election in the 2026 Ohio General Election for the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions.
- Elected by Ashland County voters in 2020 to serve as the Juvenile and Probate Judge of the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Damien Vercillo
- Judge Kellogg emphasizes dignity, respect, honesty, integrity, fairness, and teamwork in her court interactions
- Since taking office, Judge Kellogg has worked to integrate trauma-informed care principles into the Juvenile Court system, ensuring safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and responsiveness for youth and families interacting with the court

### Education



### Additional information

- She earned her Juris Doctorate from Cleveland–Marshall College of Law in 2000 and was admitted to the Ohio bar the same year Before her election, Judge Kellogg practiced law privately in Ashland County
- focusing on family law matters, and previously held the role of an Assistant Prosecutor in Ashland, Richland, and Morrow Counties.
- She is a lifelong resident of Ashland County and attended Ashland High School.
- Her campaign has received endorsements from local leaders, including sheriffs and mayors, reflecting strong community support
- She has also held leadership roles in community organizations, including Chair of the Appleseed Community Mental Health Board and Secretary of the Ashland Parenting Plus Board