In a noteworthy development, Governor Maura T. Healey has put forward the nominations of Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, and Michelle A. Yee for the positions of Probate and Family Court Justices. These nominations are currently under consideration by the Governor’s Council, marking a crucial step in reshaping the legal landscape for families and children in Massachusetts.
Governor Healey commended the nominees for their unwavering dedication to serving families and children throughout their distinguished careers. Each nominee has earned commendation from peers statewide, demonstrating an innate ability to navigate complex cases with respect and consideration.
Manisha Bhatt, with 22 years of experience representing indigent clients in probate and family matters, has been a stalwart advocate for Greater Boston Legal Services. Specializing in divorce, paternity, guardianship, and abuse prevention matters, she has particularly focused on assisting limited English-speaking immigrants across Massachusetts.
Bernadette Stark boasts extensive experience in both probate and family court matters and a broad background in civil litigation. Having represented private clients in complex financial matters, she has demonstrated her commitment to access to justice as a Director of the Student Legal Services Office at UMass Amherst.
Michelle A. Yee has been an integral part of the Probate and Family Court system for over 18 years, contributing significantly to the court’s efficiency. As the Senior Program Manager in the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court, she played a key role in implementing the Pathways Case Management Initiative across all 14 divisions.
Governor Healey’s commitment to strengthening the Probate and Family Court is further evident in her earlier recommendation of Stephanie L. Everett, Esq. as Suffolk Register of Probate and Family Court. These nominations underscore the administration’s dedication to appointing highly qualified individuals to key positions within the court.
The Probate and Family Court Department plays a crucial role in handling legal matters involving families and children, such as divorce, child support, and wills. The department’s mission is to ensure timely and equal access to a fair, equitable, and efficient forum for resolving family and probate legal matters. It strives to protect individuals, families, and children impartially and respectfully.
The nominations of Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, and Michelle A. Yee signal a significant move towards enhancing the Probate and Family Court’s capabilities. Their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and commitment to justice make them well-suited candidates for these important judicial roles. As the Governor’s Council reviews these nominations, the potential addition of these three attorneys is poised to strengthen the court’s ability to deliver justice to Massachusetts families and children.
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(Sources: MASS GOV)
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