On behalf of the over 150 matrimonial law practitioners in a field where our clients and their children are in desperate need of wisdom, experience, and sensitivity from those judges who handle family law issues, we lament the loss of some of the best of those judges because of their having reached the age of 70. We have all become aware of the fact that 70 years of age should not be a demarcation point for judicial retirement as evidenced by the Supreme Court of the United States, the entire federal bench, and the extraordinary services delivered by judges who were previously certificated to serve beyond the age of 70.

We are cognizant that budgetary issues have created a need to reduce expenses and that hard choices must be made to deal with that issue. We are hopeful that with a new national administration, federal aid will help ameliorate this problem. However, we urge the Governor, the Legislature, and the Office of Court Administration to do everything possible to preserve the talent and commitment of those who have served so well and have proven themselves to be the very best models for judicial service.