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Probate court doesn’t have to be intimidating. Community education and outreach are key to reducing the anxiety and fear many people have about this area of law. Everyone who finds themselves before the probate court—whether lawyers, people who are not legally represented, family members, advocates, caregivers, fiduciaries, or guardians—would benefit from learning about probate law and the court system itself. As an expert in both, I love sharing what I know to help people ease their anxiety about the probate court experience or to even avoid probate altogether.

Currently, the public faces a new computer interface at the court that requires people of all skill levels to navigate a fairly complex system. Knowledge truly is power, and people going through probate court for the first time would benefit greatly from having a “court ambassador" to assist them through the entire process. This would not only improve their experience, it would speed up the intake process and reduce the amount of work for overburdened court staff. Better documentation at the start will lead to a more streamlined docket for each judge, saving time for everyone in the court system as well as taxpayer money.