SIDNEY — The Probate Court’s responsibilities include the probating of wills, trusts and estates, the guardianships of minors and incompetent adults, adoptions, will contests, name changes, marriage licenses, civil proceedings, disinterment, minor settlements, structured settlements, mental illness, wrongful death and related litigation.
“The Probate Court was busy with a caseload consistent with the prior year,” said Jeffrey J. Beigel. “In 2018, 354 new cases were filed and the Court issued 293 marriage licenses. At year end the court maintained an active docket of 473 pending cases in process, with 390 other cases being completed and disposed of in 2018. Pending cases included 222 estates, 164 guardianships of incompetents, 29 guardianships of minors, 11 adoptions, six civil actions, 20 trust matters, and other miscellaneous filings.”
His report continues:
The court deposited $51,349.42 of collected revenue into the General Fund, consistent with 2017 collections.
In early 2018, based upon our request and at no cost to the county, the Ohio Supreme Court finally completed its extensive consultation and evaluation of the court’s practices and procedures. We then implemented a wide range of recommendations to ensure that best practices were being maintained. Probate clerks also completed an educational program sponsored by the Ohio Association of Probate Judges.
In October the court hosted two free guardianship presentations for guardians of incompetent adults to facilitate their completion of the annual guardian education requirements.
In November the court promoted the recognition of National Adoption Awareness Month with a focus on local adoptions.
The court enhanced the availability of public records at www.shelbycoprobate.org, providing additional case information and creditor claims.
As a member of the Ohio Judicial Conference’s Probate Law & Procedure Committee the Judge regularly attended committee meetings to keep abreast of, and provide input on, proposed legislation, trends and issues that may affect our local court.
