Judge Ciarrocca Assigned to Family Court

Superior Court Judge Mark Ciarrocca will be hearing family court cases in his new role.

Ciarrocca, a former Westfield councilman, was Tuesday afternoon to a seven-year term on the bench. He was by Gov. Chris Christie in June for the judgeship.

In his new role as a family court judges, Ciarrocca will hear cases regarding a range of family court issues, including domestic violence, child custody, child abuse, substance abuse and juvenile justice.

The family court is considered one of the busiest parts of the judiciary in Union County and draws in a high number of judges.

Family court is a traditional starting point for new judges in Union County. Three other Westfield judges - James Hely, Thomas Walsh and Robert Kirsch - have been assigned to family court since their 2009 and 2010 appointments to the bench. The assignments are made by Union County Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy and Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.

Ciarrocca can move to other parts of the county's Superior Court during his tenure. These include hearing civil cases and criminal cases. Criminal court is considered the second busiest part of the court system in Union County.

Prior to joining the bench, Ciarrocca primarily practiced civil law from a Union Township practice.

Rabner also has the option of one-day elevating Ciarrocca to the state's appeals court. Westfield resident Doug Fasciale, who swore Ciarrocca in, currently serves as an appeals court judge.

Ciarrocca's term runs through August 2018. At that time, he can be renominated for a tenured term by the governor, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. If confirmed to a tenured term, Ciarrocca will be able to serve on the bench until his 70th birthday.