Probate

Probate Court primarily handles such matters as wills, estates, conservatorships and guardianships. This department processes all the cases, maintains all the open files, and provides the bench clerks for Probate Court. Probate Court is held in Courtroom 310 of the Hall of Justice, and Probate cases are open to the public unless sealed by the judge.

Types of cases handled and services provided:

Estate cases

Provides forms to probate wills, appoint fiduciaries, and to dispense of an estate that does not exceed $15,000.

Guardianship/Conservatorship for a minor

• Limited: for nurturing and education only
• Conservatorship: to manage funds on a child’s behalf
• Curator: appointed on behalf of an adult who is mentally competent but needs someone to manage his/her affairs. A report is filed by the curator every two years.

Name changes

This department processes adult/child name change petitions.

• An adult can complete this form at the counter with a photo ID, and the decision will be made pre-docket.
• If the request is for a child or is mailed in by an adult, the case will go to court.

Infant settlements

A guardian is appointed when a minor receives proceeds from a settlement over $10,000.

Trustee

Processes registrations of trusts and petitions pertaining to trusts.

Corrections to Birth/Death Certificate

Processes corrections to birth or death certificates.

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