This article is from the State House News.

JAN. 18, 2024…..The Governor’s Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to confirm Manisha Hemendra Bhatt and Bernadette Stark to serve as judges on the Probate and Family Court.

On Dec. 8, Gov. Maura Healey nominated Bhatt and Stark to serve on the court, which handles matters that involve families and children, such as divorce, child support and wills. 

Bhatt has represented indigent clients in probate and family matters as an attorney for Greater Boston Legal Services. Stark has racked up Probate and Family Court and civil litigation experience while at Goulston & Storrs, and as a founding partner of Dinsmore Stark.

Councilor Marilyn Devaney noted that Bhatt speaks many languages. 

“With what we’re having with people coming into this country, we really need someone — a judge — that is able to communicate with the people so that they can feel there’s someone there who understands them,” Devaney said.  “Great appointment.”

Councilor Tara Jacobs said there was an outpouring of support for Stark’s nomination.

“I heard repeatedly the words ‘it’s about time’ talking about the representation she brings to this role, being a proud, Latina, gay women who speaks fluent Spanish,” Jacobs said. “It’s such an inspiration to youth to see themselves reflected on the bench, but also just adds credibility and trust and faith in our courts to see someone like her be nominated and ideally confirmed to this role.”

Devaney on Wednesday also asked councilors to reflect in silent prayer for Judge Maureen Mulligan of Watertown, a former partner at the Boston law firm Peabody & Arnold who died on Dec. 25 at the age of 62 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

“She will be sorely missed,” Devaney said.

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01/18/2024