Welcome to the Sandusky County Probate Court’s website, which was recently updated through the assistance of an Ohio Supreme Court Technology Grant, and the hard work of our incredible Court Staff!
Under the first Ohio Constitution of 1802, the Court of Common Pleas had exclusive jurisdiction over all Probate matters. The updated Ohio Constitution of 1851 shifted this power by creating a separate Probate Court in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. In Sandusky County, I serve jointly as Judge of the Juvenile Court and Probate Court simultaneously.
My judicial role as Probate Court Judge is to oversee the administration of decedent's estates, guardianships, adoptions and trusts, as well as issuing marriage licenses, making various appointments to boards & commissions, and other administrative duties. With the assistance of my Magistrates, we make Findings of Facts and issue Orders in cases involving will contest actions, wrongful death settlements, settlements involving injuries to minors, applications for name changes, various other civil suits, and the involuntary evaluation/hospitalization of the mentally ill.
Although it is my duty to settle disputes based on the facts and the law, coupled with some judicial discretion, I always encourage our citizens to make a sincere effort to settle disputes amongst those involved or through mediation, as opposed to creating the ill-will and expense associated with prolonged litigation in Court. Remember, conflict can’t survive without your participation!
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your Sandusky County Juvenile & Probate Court Judge since 2009…
This website was developed with monies awarded to the Court through the 2017 Ohio Supreme Court Technology Grant.
