Register of Probate & Court Recorder

Position Description

Position Title: Register of Probate & Court Recorder
Department: Probate & Family Court
Classification: Full-Time, Hourly
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: 10
Starting Salary: $50,801 - $58,068 ($24.42 - $27.92/Hour)
Reports To: Probate & Family Court Judge
Direct Reports: None
Last Updated: 06/2026

Job Summary

The Register of Probate & Court Recorder is responsible for maintaining official court records, processing and reviewing legal filings, scheduling hearings, and providing administrative support for the Menominee County Probate and Family Court. This position manages juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect case, and probate matters including guardianships, conservatorships, decedent estates, adoptions, and name changes, and ensures compliance with applicable statutes, court rules, and reporting requirements.

The Register of Probate & Court Recorder serves as a key liaison between the court, attorneys, fiduciaries, and the public by coordinating hearings, processing court documents, administering oaths, and responding to inquiries. The position is responsible for reviewing filings for accuracy and compliance, monitoring fiduciary reporting requirements, maintaining court recordings and records, preparing reports for state agencies, and supporting judicial operations through scheduling, financial administration, and records management.

This role requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organizational skills, and knowledge of probate and family court procedures to ensure the efficient and effective administration of court services.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Court Records Management and State Reporting

• Prepare, compile, and submit required reports to state agencies, including caseload statistics, jury reports, guardianship and conservatorship deficiency reports, collection data system reports, and jury fee reports.
• Maintain accurate and complete court records in accordance with applicable statutes, court rules, and record retention requirements.
• Review formal and informal probate filings to ensure all statutory requirements are met prior to the appointment of fiduciaries.
• Process and close probate estates in compliance with Michigan law and court procedures.

Case File Review and Compliance Monitoring

• Review and verify annual accountings and reports submitted by fiduciaries, guardians, conservators, and personal representatives for adult and minor guardianships, conservatorships, and decedent estates.
• Monitor fiduciary compliance with statutory reporting requirements and identify deficiencies or noncompliance.
• Review case files to ensure all legal requirements have been satisfied prior to discharge or case closure.
• Maintain oversight of fiduciary reporting and initiate appropriate follow-up actions when necessary.

Public and Professional Communication

• Serve as a point of contact for attorneys, court participants, and the general public regarding court procedures, hearings, and scheduling matters.
• Coordinate and schedule court hearings, wedding ceremonies, and related proceedings.
• Provide petition forms, court information, and procedural guidance to requesting parties as appropriate.

Case Processing and Hearing Coordination

• Review court filings for compliance with applicable statutes, Michigan Court Rules, and court procedures.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of inventories, accountings, and other fiduciary documents prior to judicial review and approval.
• Schedule show-cause hearings and other proceedings for fiduciaries who fail to meet reporting or statutory obligations.
• Process mental health commitment cases, including scheduling hearings, appointing attorneys, obtaining treatment reports, and preparing court orders for judicial review and approval.
• Coordinate hearing schedules and maintain court calendars as assigned and schedule hearings within time requirements of state statutes.

Courtroom Recording and Record Preservation

• Set up, test, and operate court recording equipment to ensure accurate recording of court proceedings.
• Maintain detailed notes and records during court hearings.
• Preserve, archive, and maintain recordings and related documentation in accordance with court policies and procedures.
• Prepare certified transcripts of court proceedings.

Office Administration and Support

• Manage office supply inventories and procure necessary equipment and materials within established budget guidelines.
• Monitor office supply expenditures and maintain adequate inventory levels to support daily operations.
• Prepare and process monthly invoices and office expenditures for judicial review and approval.
• Coordinate submission of approved bills and payment documentation to the appropriate county department for processing.
• Maintain accurate records of office expenditures and related financial documentation.

Education & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree or higher in legal/paralegal studies, criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or related field.

Experience:

• Preferred: Two or more years of experience in a legal, judicial, or related environment.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Required: Michigan Certified Electronic Recorder (CER) certification within one year of hire.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of probate, family, and juvenile court operations, procedures, and terminology.
• Knowledge of applicable Michigan statutes, Michigan Court Rules, and court administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of probate case types, including guardianships, conservatorships, decedent estates, adoptions, name changes, and mental health proceedings.
• Knowledge of records management, document retention requirements, and court filing systems.
• Knowledge of fiduciary responsibilities, reporting requirements, and estate administration processes.
• Knowledge of office administration, budgeting, purchasing, and accounts payable procedures.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures and electronic court recording systems.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, business correspondence, and customer service principles.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and ethical standards applicable to court operations.

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills when interacting with attorneys, judges, court personnel, litigants, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other office software applications.
• Ability to accurately review, process, and maintain legal documents and court records.
• Skill in data entry, records management, and report preparation.
• Skill in scheduling hearings, maintaining calendars, and coordinating court proceedings.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot electronic recording equipment and other office technology.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing legal filings, financial reports, and court documents.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, court rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to analyze documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with legal requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, fiduciaries, court staff, government agencies, and the public.
• Ability to communicate complex procedural information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced court environment.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain detailed records.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure when dealing with difficult or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to attend training and obtain Michigan Certified Electronic Recorder (CER) certification within one year of hire.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Menominee County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

EOE / ADA Statement

Menomonee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Menomonee County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Email your completed Menominee County Employment Application, cover letter (optional), and resume (optional), to Jason Carviou, Menominee County Administrator, at JCarviou@menomineecountymi.gov .

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICANTS WILL BE ON JULY 17, 2026.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to the Honorable Dan Hass, Menominee County Probate & Family Court Judge, at 906-863-2634 or via email at DHass@menomineecountymi.gov .

Pay: $24.42 - $27.92 per hour

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,801 - $58,068