Probate Register

MINIMUM STANDARDS

Education:

High school graduation or equivalent; supplemented by college course work in business, office administration, law/legal secretary skills, or related field and/or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Special Requirements:

Completion of the Certified Electronic Recorder test by the Michigan Supreme Court is required within one year after date of hire.

Experience:

Some probate court, law office or closely related setting that would provide a working knowledge of probate court and probate court procedures is preferred. Experience in supervising individuals in a workplace setting.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Probate/Family Judge, the Probate Register directs the probate section and coordinates activities with other court operations and related agencies. Also is responsible for administrative clearance of all case files pertaining to estates, adoptions, mental commitment, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, emancipation, family support cases, paternity cases, divorces, and personal protection orders. Additionally, this position is responsible for case flow management and reporting requirements to the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). The Probate Register is responsible for quasi-judicial acts related to Independent Probate and any uncontested matters within the Probate Court. Acts as a front-line coordinator for the Probate Court and Family Division of the 11th Circuit Court. Is also financial coordinator for budgets, processing of receipts and maintenance of budget and financial records as specifically authorized and directed by the Probate and Presiding Family Court Judge. Also serves as court recorder for the probate and family court.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Solely responsible for the processing of informal probate proceedings involving decedents' estates, which now comprise approximately 90 percent of decedent estates.

Verifies that proper forms have been used, reviews wills and makes determination on whether they have been properly executed and verifies that all heirs and devisees named in will are listed as interested persons. Verifies that nominated personal representative has priority, and if not, that proper renunciations from all with higher or equal priority have been filed. Issues the order and letters of authority, under the Register's name, appointing the personal representative, and admitting the will when appropriate. Verifies that publication has been made for claims or for missing heirs, and that the inventory fee has been timely paid. Issues certificate of closing the file when probate is complete. (Responsibility for estates increased by the adoption of the current probate code, EPIC, effective April 1, 2000.)

• As authorized by statute and the judge, takes acknowledgments, signs notices, citations and subpoenas, conducts conferences with fiduciaries, and conducts hearings involving uncontested probate matters.
• Compiles budget expenditure and revenue information.
• Establishes and maintains sound financial controls. Coordinates audits of court financial records and controls, reviews audit findings with auditors and the Judge, and ensures that audit recommendations are implemented.
• Coordinates the processing of independent probate, guardianships and conservatorships ensuring that proper petitions and related documents have been filed, consents have been obtained, accounts and inventories have been timely filed, inquired investigations and reviews have been completed, and hearings have been scheduled.
• Responds to inquires from attorneys, litigants and the public explaining and interpreting court policies and procedures, providing case related information, and assisting in the resolution of problems regarding cases.
• Serves as judicial secretary screening telephone calls, responding to questions and complaints, processing mail, answering routine correspondence, transcribing dictation and maintaining judge's files and records.
• Meets public and refers them to proper legal agency and/or helps in proper procedures.
• Complies with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Intakes, reviews and files/enters on JIS documents relating to guardianships, conservatorships, estates, trusts, wills and other probate matters; opens and closes files.
• Assign case numbers and enter new cases on the JIS system.
• Review case files and records
• Schedule hearings for Probate and Family Court, checking to coordinate necessary activities such as appearance of defendants, witnesses and others.
• Keep up to date on new laws and amendments, which includes attending seminars.
• Process, schedule and coordinate mentally ill proceedings.
• Prepare Order for Immediate Transport to Hospital for signature and other appropriate documents.
• Assist in appointing Court Appointed Attorneys.
• Set-up hearings and send out notices to parties of interest.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, attorneys, Judges, SCAO personnel, co-workers and the general public verbally and in writing; ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

Pay:

From $19.12 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 457(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person