Johnston Native, Soccer Coach, Sworn In as Family Court Chief Judge

JOHNSTON, RI—Michael B. Forte of Johnston has served on the bench in Family Court since 1987. He's an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University, a soccer and basketball coach at St. Rocco's School in Johnston and a volunteer with the North Scituate Boy Scouts Troop 1.

And as of today, he's now the Chief Judge of the Family Court.

Forte was sworn in by Governor Gina Raimondo on the steps of the Rhode Island State House as his family looked on. He replaces Judge Haiganush R. Bedrosian, who served as chief judge for six years before retiring earlier this year.

"It is an honor and privilege to be sworn-in as the next Chief Judge of Family Court," Forte said. "I thank Governor Raimondo for her commitment to serving all Rhode Island families and I look forward to continuing my time on the bench in an effort to support families at a time when they need it most."

"Judge Forte has demonstrated a clear vision for assisting families during their most difficult times," Raimondo said. "I am proud to swear-in today someone of the utmost integrity, who I know will work to ensure that every family can make it here in Rhode Island."

Judge Bedrosian was the first woman appointed to serve on the state Family Court and the first woman to lead it as chief judge.

"She is a trailblazer," the Governor said. "In particular, I enjoyed collaborating with her at the Family Court's Conference on Human Trafficking. Always ahead of the curve, her call for vigilance in compassionately servicing victims of human trafficking was well heard and has been a focus of the new team at DCYF. I congratulate her on a successful career on the bench, and wish her all the best in this next chapter."

The Family Court has jurisdiction to hear all petitions for divorce, child support, adoptions, and matters related to delinquent, wayward, dependent, neglected, or abused juveniles. Additionally, the Court has specialty Family Treatment Drug, Juvenile Drug, Immigration, and Truancy calendars.