Register in Probate

Job Summary
Coordinates and directs the Register in Probate and Juvenile Departments which are responsible for the maintenance of Probate Court records and Juvenile Court Records; the provision of information and counsel to attorneys and individuals; approves actions of personal representative in informal and formal probates; holds hearings on non-contested probate matters; serves as Probate Registrar and acts as Court Commissioner as authorized by the Chief Judge.

Essential Duties
Plans, schedules, and assigns work to subordinates; instructs and trains employees in proper methods and procedures; develops and enforces policies and procedures; inspects work in progress and upon completion; interviews and hires personnel; ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the unit.

Directs the preparation and administration of the unit’s annual budget; practices fiscal responsibilities in the spending of appropriated funds; reviews accounting system procedures and scrutinizes monthly budget analysis reports and statistical data to ensure conformance to approved budget.

Balances cash drawer and maintains daily records concerning intake of fees; generates daily probate fee reports; prepares annual report to administration concerning cash on hand.

Maintains all Register in Probate records including probates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorship, and alcohol/mental commitments, wills for safekeeping; ensures all records and files are current and accurate, maintaining confidentiality of all records that are to be kept closed pursuant to Wisconsin Statute; advises Director of State of all record statistics.

Ensures compliance of all court-appointed guardians of person and estate, including filing of guardianship inventories and receipt of statutory filing fees; receives and maintains annual reports of guardians of person and annual accounts of guardians of estate; review all annual accounts to ensure accuracy and review for potential financial errors or omissions; ensures Brown County Adult Protective Services completes all annual reviews of protective placement and reports completed reviews annually to the Chief Judge.

Maintains all Juvenile Court records including CHIPS, JIPS, Delinquencies, Termination of Parental Rights and Adoptions; ensures all records are current and accurate, maintaining confidentiality of all records that are to be kept closed pursuant to Wisconsin Statute.

Advises attorneys probating estates concerning the selection of most expedient method of probate; confers with attorneys regarding practices and procedures of office; ensures compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations.

Correlates information for court proceedings in accordance with department policies and procedures; schedules the matters before the court; provides the court with concise information and issues involved; issues orders for hearing and receives testimony of witnesses.

Promotes education of attorneys and lay people by speaking to professional and non professional groups; reviews legislative process in order to maintain awareness of all changes; assists the court in formulation, preparation, and drafting of orders; collects all statutory fees and records deposits in an accurate and timely manner.

When serving as Probate Register:

Collects information regarding the estate, cash values, assets and heirs, establishment of trust and charitable gifts; approves all inventories and final accounts and tax returns; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the same; also ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws governing the same.

Determines procession of proceedings, assesses available information, answers questions and ensures protection of rights; decides if estate can be completed without an attorney and concludes validity of will; administers oath and appoints guardians, trustees and and personal representatives; removes personal representatives from informal process for non-compliance; ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws governing the same.

When serving as Court Commissioner:

Admits wills to probate, approves inventories; enters final judgments; settles and assigns estates; appoints trustees and terminates joint tenancies in accordance with accepted policies, practices and procedures, and local, state and federal rules and regulations. Holds summary hearings for non-contested annual protective placement reviews.

Minimum Qualifications Required
Educational and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university of college in Public Administration, Political Science, or related field; plus five years supervisory experience in court administration; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities.

Legal experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the purpose, functions, scope, statutory powers and limitations of the Probate Court, the Register in Probate Office and Juvenile Court.

Knowledge of justice system.

Knowledge of personnel and management techniques.

Knowledge of modern administration practices.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.

Ability to demonstrate a positive and professional attitude toward public services.

Ability to demonstrate human relations skills.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to understand and perform complex written and oral instructions.

Ability to produce and maintain accurate and complete records.

Ability to supervise, coordinate and monitor the work of employees to ensure smooth daily operation of the unit.

Ability to deliver quality public service.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/browncounty

Deadline Note: