Rhode Island Family Court Names New Magistrates
Chief Judge Michael B. Forte selected two new magistrates to handle family court cases in Rhode Island.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Divorce
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Chief Judge Michael B. Forte has selected Therese M. Picard and Robert A. Ragosta to serve as Family Court magistrates. These appointments currently await approval from the Rhode Island state Senate.
Why it matters
The addition of new magistrates is essential for processing cases within the Rhode Island legal system. These roles were specifically enhanced by a 2024 law that authorizes magistrates to preside over contested divorce proceedings.
The new magistrate position carries a starting annual salary of $198,523. Magistrates serve 10-year renewable terms overseeing family law matters.
The players
Michael B. Forte
He serves as the Chief Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court and is responsible for selecting new magistrates.
Therese M. Picard
A partner at the law firm Bittner & Picard LLC, she is an appointee for a new magistrate position.
Robert A. Ragosta
He is a long-time attorney and currently serves as an associate municipal and auxiliary probate judge in Cranston.
The details
Picard, a partner at Bittner & Picard LLC, has served as a guardian ad litem since 2019, while Ragosta has practiced law since 1982 and currently serves as a municipal and auxiliary probate court judge in Cranston. The new appointees will replace outgoing magistrates Alberto Aponte Cardona and Andrea Iannazzi.
Timeline
Robert Ragosta began practicing law in 1982.
Therese Picard began serving as a guardian ad litem in 2019.
A 2024 state law authorized magistrates to hear contested divorce cases.
The article was published on October 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
This staffing expansion reflects the ongoing effort to modernize the court system to address rising caseloads in family law. By empowering magistrates under the 2024 state law, the court is shifting towards a more specialized model for handling complex contested divorces.
Individuals involved in contested divorce proceedings may see these new magistrates presiding over their cases once confirmations are finalized. This transition aims to improve the efficiency and judicial capacity of the local family court system.
The takeaway
The appointment of experienced legal professionals as magistrates is a crucial step in maintaining court functionality. Residents navigating divorce should be aware that these specialized roles are designed to expedite the resolution of complex legal disputes.
Further reading
For more on local family law proceedings, see Rhode Island Divorce.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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