State Rep. Doug Wozniak’s plan to add a third probate judge to Macomb County was signed into law today. Currently, two full-time probate judges struggle to manage increasing caseloads.

“Probate Court looks out for people in times of crisis, where time is of the essence,” said Wozniak, R-Shelby Township. “These caseloads don’t usually involve people who can wait weeks or sometimes even days for a hearing. We’re talking about orphaned children with nowhere to go, mentally ill and developmentally disabled loved ones, and folks looking for the authority to make medical decisions for incapacitated family members, and myriad of other circumstances where timely, thoughtful decisions need to be made. Macomb County needs this additional judicial position to help ensure our vulnerable family, friends and neighbors are properly served.”

Macomb County has become dependent on visiting judges. While the probate court appreciates the help, Wozniak said it is not good practice to become reliant on outside judges. Macomb County Courts and the Michigan Supreme Court supported the plan through committee testimony.

“Macomb County should have had another probate judge years ago,” Wozniak said. “The passage of this bill is the culmination of a lot of hard work on behalf of our community.”

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