MA Could Lead the Nation with Groundbreaking Family Court Reform

Massachusetts Could Lead the Nation with Groundbreaking Family Court Reform

Senate Bill 1102 would introduce Medical Panels into the Probate and Family Courts—giving judges expert medical insight in life-altering cases.

Canton, MA – April 24, 2025 A surge of hope and urgency filled the Massachusetts State House this week as advocates, physicians, attorneys, and families rallied behind Senate Bill 1102, a potentially historic measure that could transform the way family courts make decisions in complex medical cases.

Filed by Senator Paul Feeney, the bill proposes a first-of-its-kind reform: the creation of independent medical panels to provide expert guidance in probate and family court proceedings. If passed, Massachusetts would become the first state in the nation to implement this model.

What if we could revolutionize how probate and family courts make critical decisions—especially in cases involving complex medical issues, disability, or trauma.

Each panel would consist of three licensed physicians who would provide neutral, evidence-based evaluations to support judges in cases involving guardianship, custody, and care for vulnerable individuals.

If passed, Massachusetts would set a powerful precedent for how courts nationwide could integrate medical expertise into their decision-making process.

Here’s What Medical Panels Would Do:

-Help judges make informed, life-saving decisions

-Clarify medical facts that are often misunderstood

-Protect those most at risk—children, people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, and the elderly

-Reduce bias by providing trusted, impartial medical insight

Think of Medical Panels as medical detectives: truth-finders who bring insight, accuracy, and neutrality to cases involving disability, chronic illness, mental health, and trauma -cases where health, safety, best interest, and well-being are top priority.

*Most importantly—"Medical Panels could save lives."

A Revolutionary Step for Probate and Family Courts

This reform isn’t about changing how judges decide cases—it’s about giving them the tools they need to make more informed, medically sound decisions. In emotionally and medically complex situations, having access to reliable, impartial medical guidance can make all the difference.

“This bill gives probate and family court judges a vital tool—the ability to convene impartial medical panels to answer medical questions in contested guardianship and custody cases,” one attorney commented.

Built on a Proven Massachusetts Model

The proposal draws from a well-established process already used in Massachusetts: medical panels that assist in deciding public employee disability and retirement claims. Senate Bill 1102 adapts this trusted approach to the unique needs of the probate and family courts.

“This model is not new. It’s based on a long-standing effective system used in Massachusetts for public employee disability claims and retirement law,” the attorney explained. “Applying it here helps judges make medically informed decisions from unbiased, specialized medical input—especially in cases where the independence, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable individuals are at stake.”

“Three physician medical panels would address relevant or potentially relevant medical issues raised in a probate proceeding, whether it’s a contested petition for appointment of a guardian, a custody dispute, or a request to modify an existing order,” a physician noted.

The Coalition Behind the Bill

Senate Bill 1102 is backed by a growing and diverse coalition: medical professionals, attorneys, domestic violence survivors, disability advocates, and families who have experienced firsthand the limitations of the current system.

“Imagine a world where every vulnerable voice is heard and protected… where our loved ones have the health, safety, and support they need not just to survive, but to strive, thrive, and excel,” a domestic violence victims and disability advocate remarked.

“Each of us has been personally touched by the realities of disability and trauma,” added another. “We understand deeply the urgent need for protections that span all ages—from children to young adults to the elderly.”

A National Model in the Making

With rising national interest, Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the way in modernizing how family courts approach medical complexity. If passed, this bill could become a model for other states and reshape the role of expert evidence in family law.

“This bill is deeply personal to so many of us,” said one mother. “It’s about protecting the lives of those who are often unheard and unseen. By creating medical panels, we can help judges make better-informed decisions—bringing clarity to cases clouded by medical confusion and complexity.”

Take Action: Be a Voice for Change

The opportunity for change is here—and it’s urgent. Support Senate Bill 1102 and help bring this transformative reform to life. Your voice can help make a difference.

Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Bill...

Contact your State Senator and Representative today.
Together, we can help protect the most vulnerable and make probate and family courts stronger, smarter, and more humane.

"HOPE FOR CHANGE" 💜