REGISTER IN PROBATE

Washingtoncountysheriffwi; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Wisconsin Retirement System

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Fitness center reimbursement

Job summary

Washington County in Wisconsin seeks a Register in Probate to oversee the Probate Court Division, acting as Probate Registrar and supervising staff. The role interfaces with judges, attorneys, and the public to ensure proper court operations and record maintenance.

The position requires an associate degree in a related field and at least three years in a court or governmental setting, with supervisory experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, public administration, business administration, criminal justice, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in a court, legal, probate, guardianship, or governmental setting, including interpreting statutes and court procedures.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Probate Court Division under Wisconsin statutes and court rules, maintains official records and ensures compliance with record-retention requirements.
• Directs probate division staff, sets priorities, monitors productivity and policy compliance.
• Oversees intake, review, processing, and maintenance of probate, guardianship, and related case filings; prepares necessary orders and appoints counsel.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Supervisory experience

Statutory interpretation

Education

Associate degree in paralegal studies or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Washington County, located in West Bend, has an excellent opportunity as a Register in Probate. Under the appointment and general supervision of the Circuit Court Judges, serves as Register in Probate, Probate Registrar, Deputy Clerk of Juvenile Court, and Deputy Clerk of Circuit Court. The position administers the Probate Court Division, exercises statutory authority as Probate Registrar, oversees probate court operations, supervises probate division staff, and serves as a liaison between the judiciary, court system partners, attorneys, and the public.

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Associate degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, public administration, business administration, criminal justice, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in a court, legal, probate, guardianship, or governmental setting, including experience interpreting statutes and court procedures.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Pay based on experience.

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-term and Long-term Disability; Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts; Health Savings Accounts, Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457); Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO); tuition and fitness center reimbursement.

Washington County is recognized for our commitment to providing quality services to the citizens of our community. Our team members embrace the challenge of meeting goals and expectations. Every day we work to creatively problem solve, innovate and collaborate as a team to meet customer needs and deliver solutions.

Our Mission:

We create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy our authentic quality of life through a well governed and administered county dedicated to safe and secure communities; economic growth and vitality; effective mobility and reliable infrastructure; and access to basic needs.

Our Vision:

Washington County strives to cultivate its rich heritage, vibrant economy and attractive communities through the distinct values that define us.

Our Values:

Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or allinclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Administers the Probate Court Division pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules, and policies of the Wisconsin Court System. Oversees the maintenance of official court records and ensures compliance with statutory and record-retention requirements.
• Exercises statutory authority as Probate Registrar by reviewing and processing informal probate proceedings and issuing determinations, orders, and findings authorized under Chapters 851–879, Wisconsin Statutes
• Directs, supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates probate division staff. Establishes work priorities, monitors productivity and compliance, and ensures consistent application of court policies and procedures.
• Oversees the intake, review, processing, and maintenance of probate, guardianship, protective placement, mental health, adoption, and related case filings. Ensures statutory deadlines and procedural requirements are met.; Prepares necessary orders, appoints attorneys as adversary counsel and Guardians ad Litem.
• Oversees preparation and accurate maintenance of probate court calendars.
• Prepares minute sheets for court calendar, reviews files, and makes necessary contacts to obtain appropriate documents.
• Oversees courtroom operations and clerking functions for formal probate, guardianship, protective placement, mental health, adult adoption, and related proceedings. Ensures timely preparation of court minutes, orders, notices, and related documents.
• Confers with and dispenses information to staff, Circuit Court Judges, the Director of State Court’s office, attorneys, the Chief Judge, the District Court Administrator, law enforcement agencies, state and federal agencies, human services agencies, other county departments, and the general public.
• Oversees records management for the Probate Division, including preservation, retention, destruction, and confidentiality of court records in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules and statewide records-management policies
• Coordinates annual mailing of notices to guardians and conservators for filing of annual accounts and reports. Verifies and approves inventories, annual accounts, and final accounts of personal representatives, guardians, and conservators in probate matters.
• Performs financial and case-management functions, including receipting, reconciliation, judgment entry, and monitoring compliance with statutory filing and reporting requirements.
• Assists with budget preparation, workload analysis, strategic planning, and resource allocation for the Probate Division and Clerk of Court's Office
• Initiates and develops long- and short-term goals for the Probate Court Office. Assists the Clerk of Court in developing long- and short-term goals for the Clerk of Court’s Office.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.

Work Direction Received:

Works under the general supervision of the Circuit Court Judges.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision is given to Senior Court Assistants assigned to probate court. Makes recommendations to Clerk of Circuit Court and participates in hiring, firing, and discipline of probate court staff. Prepares annual performance evaluations. Makes final decisions concerning daily assignments of probate court staff and acts as backup supervisor in absence of the Clerk of Juvenile Court and other supervisors in the Clerk of Court’s Office.

Decision Making:

Exercises independent judgment in administering informal probate proceedings, reviewing inventories and fiduciary accountings, interpreting and applying probate procedures, resolving complex procedural issues, establishing division policies and workflows, supervising staff, allocating resources, and managing daily court operations. Decisions are made within the authority granted by Wisconsin Statutes, Supreme Court Rules, local policies, and judicial direction.

Interaction:

There is significant interaction with staff, Circuit Court Judges, the Director of State Court’s office, attorneys, the Chief Judge, the District Court Administrator, law enforcement agencies, state and federal agencies, human services agencies, other county departments, and the general public.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of Wisconsin probate, guardianship, protective placement, mental health, adoption, and trust proceedings; Wisconsin Circuit Court procedures; electronic case management systems; records management requirements; principles of public administration; and supervisory practices. Ability to interpret and apply statutes, administrative rules, and court policies; exercise sound judgment; maintain confidentiality; manage competing priorities; supervise staff; and communicate effectively with judges, attorneys, agencies, and the public.

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of background or identity.