John E. Colella of Cheshire has been anmed the state’s chief family support magistrate, effective Dec. 31, state Chief Court Administrator Patrick Carroll III announced.

Colella had a private practice focusing on family, real estate, probate and commercial law until becoming a regular family support magistrate since 2001. “I am flattered that Judge Carroll has appointed me to this position,” Colella said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to working with my colleagues as well as with the various agencies that work diligently to benefit the children of Connecticut.”