Two new Family Court commissioners were appointed today by the judges of the Jackson County Circuit Court at its court en banc meeting. The new commissioners will replace two others who are retiring this summer.

The Court appointed William R. Jackson III to Division 40 and Nancy Alemifar to Division 44. Both individuals have spent the majority of their legal careers working in family law.

"We are pleased to have been able to select two commissioners from a list of five very qualified candidates," said Presiding Judge Justine E. Del Muro. "Ms. Alemifar and Mr. Jackson will be excellent additions to our court. Their experience as attorneys in Family Law will serve them well as they assume their new roles as commissioners."

Jackson is presently serving as the Family Court’s Juvenile Officer and Director of Legal Services. He has served in that position since January 2013. Jackson joined the Family Court in 1987 and has worked as Assistant Director of Legal Services, Manager of Legal Services, and Attorney for the Juvenile Officer. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1982.

"I have enjoyed working with so many wonderful people in my capacity as Juvenile Officer," Jackson said. "I am thankful to have the opportunity, as commissioner, to promote justice, family unity, and safety for children in our community."

Jackson will assume his new position on or about September 1st. He replaces Commissioner Geoffrey Allen who was appointed in 1993. Allen is retiring August 31.

Nancy Alemifar was appointed to Division 44. She is presently with the law firm of Husch Blackwell, where she has been employed since 1995, and serves as Senior Counsel "Pro Bono" attorney. Her experience also includes working as an Attorney for the Juvenile Officer of the Family Court from 1993 – 1995, and as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of Western Missouri from 1991 – 1993. She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law.

"I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve the families of Jackson County as commissioner and look forward to my new role," Alemifar said.

Alemifar will join the Court on or about August 1st. She replaces Commissioner Molly M. Merrigan who was appointed in 1999. Merrigan is retiring on July 31.

The commissioners will hear matters pertaining to juveniles at the Family Court Division located at 625 E. 26th Street. They were each appointed to a four year term.