Hamilton attorney Margot B. Halcomb is Butler County’s new domestic relations judge.

Gov. John Kasich appointed Halcomb to the post Wednesday. She replaces Sharon Kennedy, who was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Halcomb, 46, garnered the most votes from county Republicans in December when the party selected three attorneys for Kasich to chose from. Tim Evans, a Hamilton attorney, and Fairfield attorney Don Moser were also selected.

“Margot’s sterling reputation and proven work ethic will continue the caliber of fairness and adherence to the law this position requires and has seen in the past,” said Dave Kern, Butler County Republican executive chairman.

Halcomb, an attorney for First Financial Bank in Hamilton, will assume the judgeship on April 2 and must run in 2014 to retain the seat for the unexpired term that ends Jan. 3, 2017.

“I am thrilled and I am sincerely thankful to the people who strongly supported me,” Halcomb said, noting she was honored by Kasich’s appointment.

Halcomb is a graduate of Miami University and earned her law degree from Capital University Law School. From 1996 to 2007 she served as a Hamilton Municipal Court magistrate. She ran for judge of that court in 2007.

“I am looking forward to serving the families of Butler County,” Halcomb said.

She has been active in community organizations, including Hamilton Rotary Club, YWCA of Hamilton, the Hamilton Jr. Women’s League and the Great Miami Valley YMCA.

Halcomb and her husband, Todd, live in Hamilton and have three children.