PROBATE ASSISTANT, Probate Court 1

About the role

Assist the Court Administrator, Auditor, and Probate Analyst with overseeing all estates in both decedent and guardianship matters. Post all legal pleadings and instruments filed and distribute same to the above mentioned associates. Review all orders signed by Judge and distribute to submitting staff member or process paperwork through to the County Clerk's Office. Handle compliance issues and related correspondence through phone, mail, or e-mail as needed. Provide assistance to the Associate Judge and Court Auditor in the operation of the Show Cause Docket.

Responsibilities

• Create and prepare various orders for show cause, removal, or investment of funds received by the County Clerk from estate and contested probate actions.
• Review applications and submit orders and check requests for payment of fees and expenses in mental health cases.
• Maintain separate database tracking all fee orders for appointed attorneys being paid from County treasury in guardianship and mental health cases based upon check requests.
• Locate documents and files needed by other Court employees.
• Answers inquiries from attorneys on status of orders submitted for signing.
• Monitors document filings in existing cases using Audit Tab Reports in Odyssey case management system.
• Advises attorneys by letter or e-mail of filing delinquencies that appear on the Audit Tab Reports per Court policy.
• Answers inquiries from attorneys about whether actions taken in response to delinquency notifications have brought cases into compliance.
• Assists Associate Judge develop, implement, and manage the Show Cause Docket.
• Prepares initial drafts of Order of Removal for use by Associate Judge at Show Cause hearings.
• Prepares and submits for signature by Presiding Judge Orders of Removal for Failure to Qualify or Orders of Removal for Failure to File Inventory per Court policy.
• Prepares and mails out orders removing Personal Representatives to the Appointee, the attorney of record for the Appointee, any Surety for the Appointee, and all other attorneys of record and interested family members by regular and certified mail with return receipt requested as may be necessary or required by statute.
• Reviews Affidavits in Lieu of Inventory filed by independent executors/administrators.
• Updates Audit Tab in Odyssey case management system to show compliance or advises attorney of any deficiency.
• Orders supplies for the Court.
• Tracks use and monitors supply budget.
• Coordinates maintenance and repairs on copiers and fax machines.
• Relieves the Court Coordinator at front desk during breaks, lunches and other periods of absence.
• Welcomes walk-in visitors and directs them to the appropriate staff member; announces visitors as necessary; provides setting information to inquiring attorneys; records setting information in Odyssey case management system, the Court's paper setting book, and Outlook calendar; and maintains flow of all other assigned tasks while relocated to this work station.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Some college preferred but not required. Five (5) full-time years related work experience. Knowledge of general office equipment. Must be able to type accurately at 35 wpm. Must have working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office, Tarrant County Online, SAP system, and all available probate screens. Must have or develop knowledge of Texas Estates Code and procedures to facilitate assistance of Court Administrator, Estate Auditor, and Associate Judge.

Skills

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Benefits

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Pay

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Schedule

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