Deputy Register of Probate

FDLC•Fond du Lac, WI

About The Position

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, Summary Procedures, Guardianships/Protective Placements, Minor Guardianships of Estate, Conservatorships, Chapter 51 Commitments (Adult and Juvenile) and Adoptions.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or the equivalent and one (1) year accounting or bookkeeping experiences.
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree as paralegal plus experience in a legal or court setting is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist users to determine what type of proceedings may be used, guides them with proper forms and requirements to complete probate process.
Assist attorneys and pro se litigants regarding proper procedures necessary in the various aspects of probate cases.
Clerk all probate hearings, swear in witnesses, mark exhibits and maintain an exhibit list for the court record.
Create e-filed cases and review e-filed documents before accepting into system, process fees, certify/authenticate documents.
Monitor estates to determine if all statutory requirements have been met prior to closing a probate.
Assist 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.
Clerk all guardianship hearings, swear in witnesses, mark exhibits and maintain an exhibit list for the court record.
Create e-file and review e-filed documents before accepting into system, process fees, certify/authenticate documents.
Monitor guardianships to determine if all statutory requirements being met.
Ensure that Agency Annual Review from the Department of Social Services and Unified Board have been filed timely. Appoint Guardian ad Litem for the ward. Schedule hearing for WATTS proceedings. Prepare Orders for the Court’s 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.
Create e-file from EM1 document and notify State Public Defender of details.
Obtain services of psychiatrists and psychologists as required by Wisconsin State Statutes when applicable.
Clerk all Chapter 51 adult and juvenile probable cause and commitment hearings, swear in witnesses, mark exhibits and maintain an exhibit list for the court record.
Monitor 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.
Prepare and send Firearms Restriction form to the Department of Justice.
Assist users with the proper forms and requirements to complete adoption process for minor or adult adoption.
Create case and review forms to decide what state a minor/adult was born in to determine jurisdiction for filing for new birth certificate, this includes sending information to appropriate state for new birth certificates to be created, certify documents.
Clerk all adoption hearings, swear in witness, mark exhibits and maintain an exhibit list for the court record.
Monitor adoption cases to determine if all statutory requirements are met prior to closing adoption case.
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.
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.