PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Governor Gina M. Raimondo today swore-in Lia N. Stuhlsatz, the new Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court.
"Lia brings two decades of experience strengthening families to this new role," Raimondo said. "Her passion, intellect, and demeanor represent the perfect display of attributes that I look for in a candidate for the bench. I know she will continue to serve our state with the utmost compassion and integrity."
"It is my honor and privilege to serve on the Family Court," Stuhlsatz said. "I look forward to continuing to serve Rhode Island families."
Stuhlsatz, of Rumford, has been an attorney since 1996. She joined Rhode Island Legal Services in 1999, where she most recently worked as the supervisor of the Family Preservation Unit. Prior to joining Legal Services, she served as a Staff Attorney in the New Hampshire Public Defender Program and worked as a social worker and legal advocate for the Incarcerated Mothers Program through Edwin Gould Services for Children and Families and Catholic Charities. Stuhlsatz also taught junior high social studies in New York City as part of Teach for America. She earned her bachelor's degree from Smith College and her law degree from the City University of New York School of Law.
Stuhlsatz will replace former Judge Francis J. Murray, Jr., who retired in April.
"I would like to thank Judge Francis J. Murray, Jr. for his 22 years of service," Raimondo said. "He presided over his courtroom with compassion and fairness, and served the people of Rhode Island with excellence and integrity. I wish him the very best."
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.
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