Martin Keogh announces Register of Probate

Martin J. Keogh, a local area attorney who practices family and probate law throughout Suffolk County, has announced his intention to run for the position of Suffolk County Register of Probate. The election will be held on Tuesday September 9, and includes the towns of Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop as well as the entire city of Boston.

“As an Attorney who practices probate and family law in Suffolk County, working as the Register of Probate is a natural fit for me, and I hope to bring positive changes in the office for all users of the Probate Court, based upon my personal observations and experience ” Keogh said.

Keogh said he decided to run because he saw that there needs to be improvement with how the Probate Court office operates. Keogh wants to bring efficiency, transparency, simplicity and, above all, professionalism to all users of the Probate Court. “I want everybody, not just the attorneys, to be given the tools, support and respect they need to navigate through the confusing forms and court processes. I want to decrease the paperwork, wait time and frustration of families who cannot afford an attorney by creating a partnership with area law schools and local attorneys who will provide legal help at no cost to the family, as well as implementing a user friendly “online” intake and filing process” Keogh said.

Keogh crafted and laid out his plan to improve the Probate Court which will include:

*Decreasing wait times and confusion by introducing a user friendly system for creating, supporting, filing and accessing all forms online, including from the comfort of your home;

* Making it easier for everyone, not just attorneys, to access and navigate the Probate and Family Court forms, computers and courtrooms;

*Streamlining and creating “easy to understand” multi-lingual online forms and applications;

* Creating partnerships with area law firms, law schools and law students, to provide legal advice to the increasing number of pro-se applicants who are representing themselves; and

*Bringing transparency, efficiency, simplicity and speedy justice to all users of the Probate Court.

Keogh, a democrat and the only candidate in the race who is an attorney, has practiced family and probate law in Suffolk County for over ten years and has proven experience managing both a private and public office staff and budget. “I know first-hand the importance of Probate and Family Court when it comes to protecting children in need, women in abusive relationships and families who are dealing with the loss of loved ones. I want to ensure that the Probate Court is functioning properly and provides ease, access and attention to all issues that affect our families.” Keogh concluded. The Democratic Primary is Tuesday September 9. Keogh lives with his wife Pamela in Boston and their two young children, Nolan and Penelope.