2026 Register of Probate Franklin County Choose 1
The Register of Probate serves a six-year term with no term limits. They act as the chief clerk and records officer for the county’s Probate and Family Court, managing case records, court operations, and assisting judges and families involved in proceedings. The Probate and Family Court handles a wide range of family matters, including divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, and abuse prevention, as well as probate matters such as wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and name changes.
Biographical Information
Mailing Address
3 Hadfield Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Campaign Phone
4137738706
What are the most important duties of the Register of Probate and how would you prioritize them?
The Register of Probate oversees the Administrative Functions of the Local Probate Court and ensures the efficient handling of probate and family law matters. Those matters include often highly emotional and sensitive matters surrounding Family Law Matters, Probate of Estates, Adoption and Custody Matters.
What skills or experience do you possess that will enable you to assist and protect all individuals, families and children in an impartial and respectful manner?
I have resided in Franklin County and practiced law in Franklin County for my entire career. Having a legal background is helpful in the day to day understanding and administration of the Court. However, my local background has provided a deep understanding of the unique nature of Franklin County and fostered a respect for all individuals. In the Probate Court, providing dignity and respect to parties undergoing deeply personal and emotional matters and making sure that they are treated with the sensitivity, help and respect they deserve comes with experience and a demonstrated career of compassion and empathy.
What are the principal challenges currently facing the Probate and Family Court in your county and how would you address them?
Continuing to makes sure there are resources and priorities to promote and foster equal access for all parties need the help of the Probate Court. Including: 1.)making sure that economics do not impact access to the court system, 2.) that there are resources to educate individuals seeking relief, 3.) that the continued recognition of the impact of addiction and 4.) supporting and implementing technology to assist parties where relevant and 5.)hiring, training and fostering probate court staff who are well educated, compassionate and respectful of all those who come before the office.
How would you adequately support families in need of services such as mental health resources and legal counseling?
Continuing to advocate for state and federal resources to fill these gaps; working with local professionals and other court departments to find and develop programs and resources and effective training, hiring, training and fostering a staff to provide resources and referrals for these essential core services. It is an absolute obligation of the Court System to provide equal access and opportunity at every counter and court room to every individual without regard to whatever challenges they may be facing.