DISTRICT
Washtenaw
WEBSITE
battles4judge.com
Number of years as resident
40
As a clinical social worker and practicing probate attorney with decades of experience, I have spent the majority of my professional career advocating for the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Often, the people and families who appear before the probate judge are in the midst of a crisis involving a loved one with a physical illness, a cognitive deficit, a mental health crisis, or a recurrent substance use concern. My work in probate court began in 2009 as a guardianship reviewer. It has evolved to include the development of a successful guardianship pathway that allows for efficient, safe transition from the hospital back into the community. As a result, I have been nationally recognized as an expert in probate matters.
As your next probate judge, I plan to focus on three areas: Education, Access, and Partnerships. Education: The majority of cases brought before the probate court involve guardianship/conservatorship petitions. Many times, these cases could be avoided through other means. I would work to educate our residents on alternatives to probate court. Access: The pandemic made it necessary for us to rethink the way we communicate. One of those changes included remote access to courts. Remote appearances provide increased access to courts for many, especially those for whom in-person appearance creates a hardship. Partnership: I look forward to creating proactive partnerships between the courts and community agencies like CMH, APS, and AAA.
Priority issues facing the probate court include the lack of legislative oversight for guardians and the need for strategic planning to address the lack of resources available for the most vulnerable in our communities. The lack of legislative oversight of guardians shifts responsibility to local courts to ensure that guardians are acting in the best interest of their wards. I would advocate and support legislation that would require licensure, training, and certification of guardians. I would also support partnering with community organizations and elected officials to address the lack of resources like housing, adequate long-term care, and access to medical care that continue to challenge guardians and courts.
My general judicial philosophy is to follow the "plain meaning" of the law. In my opinion, this philosophical approach reduces any impartiality, or appearance of partiality, with regard to the application of law. In probate cases, there are often competing interests, differing perspectives, and emotionally charged interactions. If, as the probate judge, I have a question about the application of law to a particular case, I would refer to the legislative intent of the statute to assist with a decision related to the application of the law. If questions remain, I will look to case law to help frame any decisions where the evidence is ambiguous or unclear.
DISTRICT
Washtenaw
WEBSITE
jlawforjudge.com
Number of years as resident
47
I've practiced law in Washtenaw County for nearly 20 years, focusing on probate, family law, estate planning, civil litigation, and criminal defense. Before law school, I worked as a District Court clerk and paralegal, gaining firsthand knowledge of our courts. I’m a past president of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. My career has centered on mediating and resolving disputes fairly and with compassion. Born and raised here, I understand this community and its courts. Because Probate and Circuit Courts are unified, your next Probate Judge must be prepared to handle all types of probate, civil, family, and criminal law. I am the only candidate with experience across these areas.
My goal is to bring fairness, efficiency, and compassion to every case. I’ll manage my docket responsibly, remain accessible and transparent to the public, and use my mediation experience to resolve disputes and promote healing. I’ll continue engaging with the local bar and community so the court remains responsive to residents’ needs. I’ll also prioritize a healthy, positive workplace for court staff, ensuring clerks and support personnel feel heard and valued. When court staff are supported, the court operates more efficiently, improving the experience for everyone who comes through the courthouse.
Access to justice and case delays are key concerns, especially for self-represented parties, people with disabilities, limited technology access, and language barriers. I would use my experience working with litigants and as a mediator to improve access, explain procedures, and resolve cases efficiently through alternative dispute resolution when appropriate. A well-run court starts with supported staff, so I'd prioritize resources, training, and a workplace people want to stay in. My goals: fewer unnecessary hearings, better case management, enforceable orders, protecting children and vulnerable adults from prolonged litigation, and ensuring guardianships and conservatorships are protective rather than unnecessarily restrictive.
A judge should apply the law fairly and impartially, listen carefully, and treat everyone with dignity and respect. My experience helping people through difficult legal situations has taught me that fairness, patience, and clear communication build trust in the courts. My goal isn't simply to clear the docket, but to build a court that works efficiently, fairly, and compassionately by supporting court staff, managing cases effectively, and protecting vulnerable residents. I've seen how easily people can be exploited during times of crisis. As a judge, I will ensure everyone is heard, the law is applied fairly, and no one can use power or resources to take advantage of someone vulnerable.
