Full Time
Description
Under the general supervision of the Register in Probate. Assists the public in processing informal probate, assists attorneys concerning proper procedures, reviews estates, guardianships, protective placement, conservatorships, Chapter 51commitments (Adult and Juvenile) and adoption files. Performs all duties associated with the administration of the Register in Probate office.
Examples of Duties
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and/or assigned.
Areas handled by Probate – Informal Probate, Formal Probate, Special Administration, Summary Assignments and Summary Settlements, Guardianships/Protective Placements, Minor Guardianships of Estate, Conservatorships, Chapter 51 Commitments (Adult and Juvenile) and Adoptions.
Probate:
- Assists users to determine what type of proceedings may be used, guides them with proper forms and requirements to complete probate process.
- Assists attorneys and pro se litigants regarding proper procedures necessary in the various aspects of probate cases.
- Clerks all probate hearings, swears in witnesses and marks exhibits and maintains an exhibit list for the court record.
- Creates e-filed cases and reviews e-filed documents before accepting into system, process fees, certifies/authenticates documents.
- Monitors estates to determine if all statutory requirements have been met prior to closing a probate.
Guardianships/Conservatorship:
- Assists attorneys regarding proper procedures necessary in the various aspects of guardianship/protective placement/conservatorship and minor guardianships of estate cases.
- Obtain services of Guardian ad Litem, attorneys, psychiatrists and psychologists as required by Wisconsin State Statutes when applicable to specific case.
- Clerks all guardianship hearings, swears in witnesses and marks exhibits and maintains an exhibit list for the court record.
- Creates e-file and review e-filed documents before accepting into system, process fees, certifies/authenticates documents.
- Monitors guardianships to determine if all statutory requirements being met prior to closing a guardianship.
- Ensures that Agency Annual Review from the Department of Social Services and Unified Board have been filed timely. Appoints Guardian ad Litem for the ward. Schedules hearing for WATTS proceedings. Prepares Summary Hearing Findings and Order for Courts signature.
- Issue notices to guardians, conservators for annual reports/accounts. Review reports and check annual accountings to assure appropriate spending/safeguarding of wards assets. Follow-up on delinquent report/accounts with guardians.
- Process Guardian ad Litem billings, distribute to proper parties/agencies.
- Annually submit to the chief judge of the judicial administrative district the statement required under 55.18(5) regarding the completion of annual reviews of protective placement orders.
Chapter 51 Commitments:
- Creates e-file from EM1 document, notify State Public Defender of name, hearing date and location, prepare minute sheet for Commissioner.
- Obtain services of psychiatrists and psychologists as required by Wisconsin State Statutes when applicable to specific case.
- Clerks all Chapter 51 commitment hearings, swears in witnesses and marks exhibits and maintains an exhibit list for the court record.
- Monitors Chapter 51 commitment cases to determine if all statutory requirements are met prior to closing a Chapter 51.
- Process Change of Venue Orders and Recoupment from other counties if applicable.
- Clerks all Chapter 51 probable cause hearings for Court Commissioners
- Clerks all Juvenile 51 probable cause and commitment hearings, swears in witnesses and marks exhibits and maintains an exhibit list for the court record.
- Firearm Restriction form to the Department of Justice
Adoptions:
- Assists users with the proper forms and requirements to complete adoption process for minor or adult adoption.
- Creates case and reviews forms to decide what state a minor/adult was born in to determine jurisdiction for filing for new birth certificate, includes sending information to appropriate state for new birth certificates to be created certifies documents.
- Clerks all adoption hearings, swears in witness and marks exhibits and maintains an exhibit list for the court record..
- Monitors adoption cases to determine if all statutory requirements are met prior to closing adoption case.
Appeals:
- Process appeal paperwork as mandated by the Wisconsin State Statutes and follow the guidelines as outlined by the Court of Appeals. Ensure all deadlines and procedures are met from the initial filing of the Notice of Intent to Appeal until the remittitur has been returned from the Court of Appeals.
- Appeals are done on all case types
General:
- Answers telephone and greets users of the probate office. Answer questions and/or refer to appropriate person/agency.
- Process incoming mail and answer correspondence.
- Prepares daily deposit of fees collected.
- Performs the duties of the Register in Probate in their absence at any time.
Typical Qualifications
Desirable Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures. Ability to read, understand and implement Wisconsin State Statutes governing the probate arena. Ability to effectively communicate and deal with users of the Probate Office. Maintain confidentiality of guardianships, conservatorship, Chapter 51 commitments (Adult and Juvenile) and adoption cases is necessary. Ability to manage own time and duties. Desirable candidate will aspire to be considered for the Register in Probate position upon any vacancy.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from high school or the equivalent and one (1) year accounting or bookkeeping experiences. Associate degree as paralegal plus experience in a legal or court setting is preferred.
In evaluating candidates for this position, the County may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Benefits
Please see the attached link for more information on our benefits.
http://www.fdlco.wi.gov/departments/departments-f-m/human-resources/benefits
