Dona Ana County Probate Judge
Judges in probate courts handle the procedures governing the distribution of a decedent’s property in less complicated cases. (More complicated cases are handled by state District Court judges.). Term: Four years; no term limits.
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
JUDITH ANN BACA
(Dem)
1. Describe the specific legal training and knowledge that have prepared you for the office of Probate Judge.
2. What changes, if any, would you make to the functioning of the Probate Court?
3. How can you educate the public about the court’s processes?
4. What other information would you like voters to know about you?
I have a judicial studies certification from CNM (formerly TVI); a bachelor’s in criminal justice; and general studies with a minor in business administration from NMSU. Employed for 28 years with the Third Judicial District Court, and the majority of time as a Trial Court Administrative Assistant assisting the Children's Court Division District Judge, which included probates, guardianships, conservatorships and sequestered cases and was familiar with what the probate process and paperwork entailed. I then went to work for the Las Cruces Police Department-Victim Assistance Unit as a Crime Victim Advocate, and later as their Program Coordinator, attending domestic violence court proceedings and until I was elected Probate Judge in 2023.
As the probate workload was increasing, I was able to hire an additional part-time Administrative Assistant position for the probate office. With limited workspace and storage for case files, I'm working with county administration towards an office expansion that will provide our section with additional space for operational efficiency. I also requested that security measures be taken to restrict the carrying of deadly weapons, including firearms, into the government center in which to establish a safe work environment for all employees and as well as the public. Additionally, I am researching the capability of the probate section to bring our services to the southern part of the county at least once a month, if possible.
The Probate Court is an informal or non-jury trial court of limited jurisdiction that handles informal probate cases. Probate Court is designed to help self-represented or pro se litigants with probate cases that do not need to have court proceedings held in front of the judge. The probate judge is prohibited from giving legal advice to the litigants but can give presentations explaining the steps for opening and closing a probate and the probate forms. I’ve done probate presentations for realtors, at county community centers, and I’ve attended several of the local Legal Clinics to provide community members with information regarding the probate process.
Since my first day in office on January 1, 2023, through present day, the Probate Court has opened 1,150 cases. I have also officiated 288 weddings to date. As a public servant, I feel honored to be of service to the community members of Dona Ana County and look forward to continuing my service for the next four years.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.