--- title: "Michael B. Forte | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-b-forte-chief-judge-rhode-island-family-court-ri" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Michael B. Forte Rhode Island Family Court · Chief Judge ## Profile - Court: Rhode Island Family Court - State: Rhode Island - Role: Chief Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - The Chief Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court, appointed in 2016 by Governor Gina Raimondo, and has served on the court since 1987 - Family Court judicial service began in 1987; nominated as chief judge in 2016. - 1987: Appointed as Associate Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court by Governor Edward D. DiPrete ### Education - He attended Cranston High School East, obtained a University of Rhode Island bachelor’s degree in 1974 and a Franklin Pierce School of Law J.D. in 1977. - University of Rhode Island — University of Rhode Island; bio-c76cd09cbc36; user_supplied_research ### Additional information - 2016: Appointed Chief Judge by Governor Gina Raimondo, succeeding Haiganush R. Bedrosian - Appointment in 1987 by Governor Edward DiPrete and elevation to chief judge in 2016 by Governor Gina Raimondo, succeeding Haiganush Bedrosian. - His prior roles included Little Compton town solicitor (1984–1986), Newport County bail commissioner (1979–1987), Little Compton tax assessor (1977–1978), and Judicial Tenure and Discipline Commission membership (1985–1987). - Listed professional affiliations include the American and Rhode Island bar associations, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Sakonnet Preservation. - Franklin Pierce Law Center — Franklin Pierce Law Center; bio-c76cd09cbc36; user_supplied_research - Before joining the judiciary, Forte served in various public service roles, including as a member of the Rhode Island State Senate (Little Compton, Tiverton, Warren). - He is also active in community organizations such as the North Scituate Boy Scouts and St. Rocco’s School sports programs - Rocco’s School and volunteering with North Scituate Boy Scout Troop 1. - Educational background includes University of Rhode Island ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### cell phone use Scope: courtwide Rhode Island Supreme Court courthouse rules prohibit cellular telephone use in courtrooms and prohibit cell-phone camera and video use in the courthouse. Evidence excerpt: Cellular telephone use is strictly prohibited in the courtrooms. Cellular telephone camera and video is strictly prohibited in the courthouse. [Supreme Court Courthouse Rules](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/Your%20Day%20In%20Court/Courthouse%20Rules%20February%205,%202024.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### recording equipment Scope: courtwide Rhode Island courthouse rules list photographic and audio-visual equipment, including cameras and audio or video recorders, as prohibited items. Evidence excerpt: No photographic or audio-visual equipment of any type, including cameras, video, or audio recorders or players. [Supreme Court Courthouse Rules](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/Your%20Day%20In%20Court/Courthouse%20Rules%20February%205,%202024.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/JudicialRoster.pdf) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/JudicialRoster.pdf) - [Rhode Island Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/JudicialRoster.pdf) - [Calendars and Public Access to Court Hearings](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Pages/PublicAccessCourtHearings.aspx) - [Supreme Court Courthouse Rules](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/Your%20Day%20In%20Court/Courthouse%20Rules%20February%205,%202024.pdf) - [Supreme Court Courthouse Rules, revised February 2024](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Documents/Your%20Day%20In%20Court/Courthouse%20Rules%20February%205,%202024.pdf) - [rilawyersweekly.com](https://rilawyersweekly.com/judicial-profiles/rhode-island-family-court/michael-b-forte/) - [opengov.sos.ri.gov](https://opengov.sos.ri.gov/GOVDirectoryPublic/ViewGOVDirectoryDetails?RelationID=175&EntityID=1196&page=DetailJudge) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-b-forte-chief-judge-rhode-island-family-court-ri", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-b-forte-chief-judge-rhode-island-family-court-ri", "name": "Michael B. 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