I am an attorney licensed in the State of New Mexico. I have practiced law since 1983, and have practiced in Lincoln County since 1997. I have worked in family law for many years, which includes divorce, guardianships and estate planning. My legal experience in these areas makes me well suited for the Probate Judge position. I have worked for the last 43 years helping people through the most difficult times of their lives. This experience has prepared me to help people now to deal with the handling the estate of their loved ones in a different capacity, as a Judge rather than as an attorney.
Once in office, I will review procedures, training and dissemination of information and forms for the public to ensure that all are updated for any changes in the law. I will be present to meet in person or by phone with people needing information about the process of filing in Probate Court. As an attorney in a position that is often filled by non-attorneys, I hope to provide a fresh approach to how the Court handles probate matters.
I will seek out invitations to speak to civic and community organizations, schools, and other entities to explain what the probate court is and how it works, to make it more accessible to individuals who may have need of the probate court in the future. Most people for whom I have prepared a Will express the desire to avoid probate but that isn't always possible. I would like people to know that there is a probate court separate from District Court and what the distinction is between the two. Education about the process makes the system more understandable and accessible to the public.
I have lived in New Mexico for over 30 years, more than half of that time in Lincoln County. Many of you might know me by my former married name of Pam Dobbs. My reason for becoming an attorney was to help people understand and deal with a system that may be foreign to them and difficult to navigate. Lawyers are involved with people at the worst point of their lives and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to resolve the issue brought to us in the most professional but also empathetic way we can. This is something I have strived to do every day for the last 43 years. Probating the estate of a friend or loved one has to be one of the hardest things for anyone to do. I would like to do what I can to make that process easier.
Education
Bachelors Degree
Filing County
Lincoln
Prior to serving as the current Probate Judge I served over 8 years as the Lincoln County Clerk. The County Clerk works closely with the Probate Judge and provides administrative support staff.
As current Probate Judge I am proficient in the identification, interpretation, and application of New Mexico State Statute Chapter 45, the Uniform Probate Code. I have attended six annual Probate Judge trainings as required by the Administrative Office of the Courts. I am also a member of the New Mexico Counties Probate Judge Affiliate.
I strongly support the State of New Mexico Court system's initiatives to provide increased access to self representing (pro se) applicants. These efforts include providing web access to forms and instructions. Additionally we provide information regarding resources for legal assistance. Judges and staff do not provide legal advice but we do answer general questions about the probate process itself.
As a Probate Judge I am available to speak to community groups about the New Mexico Probate process and often answer questions from the public.
I am a multi generational resident of Lincoln County. I believe service in county government is very important to support the ongoing needs of county residents.
