Santa Fe 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.
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AMI S JAEGER
(Dem)
Describe the specific legal training and experience that have prepared you for the office of Probate Judge.
What changes, if any, would you make to how the Probate Court functions?
How can probate judges be more involved in educating the public about the probate process?
What other information would you like voters to know about you?
Campaign Phone
5054664642
I have a JD and MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, BBA-Finance from the University of Iowa, certificate in Bioethics from Georgetown University, certificate in Mediation from University of New Mexico. I was Chief Analyst for NM House Judiciary Committee and Majority Lead Analyst for the NM Senate. I have 4 decades of experience in law practice, including estate planning, end of life care and planning, and probate. I was Chair of the NM State Bar Elder Law Section Board. In addition to my education and legal experience, I have experience helping people navigate the legal process of legacy planning and probate.
I would modernize the probate process to allow electronic communication and filing in alignment with court rules, and other New Mexico probate courts’ procedures. This allows families, including those that do not live close by, greater access and ease interacting with the Probate Court. It also meets expectations of families to have regular communication to keep the probate process moving. Finally, use of e-communication increases access because families are not limited to Probate Court hours, and better supports people as they fit probate steps into their busy lives.
Families look to Probate Judges to show them the steps to complete probate. Organizations assisting individuals and families at end of life need information and education from Probate Judges. That includes attorneys, paralegals, hospice agencies and caregivers, home health care agencies, funeral homes, realtors, financial planners, assisted living and nursing homes. As Probate Judge, I would host regular meet-ups to review the probate process and answer questions, with a goal to provide peace of mind to persons that are anticipating the passing of a loved one. I would also host meet-ups at community venues to discuss how to plan for probate and what to expect during the probate process.
If elected Probate Judge, I will make the probate process more accessible, understandable and responsive. I am deeply attached and committed to Santa Fe community. I will treat people respectfully and fairly, and serve as an ethical and honest Judge. I want people to feel that they are not alone, dealing with a faceless bureaucracy. I will strive to explain the process and outline the steps, to make probate as easy as possible for grieving families. Being Probate Judge is more than just giving them answers on the statutory process: it means giving them a process to express their grief and heal. I will also gladly celebrate with New Mexicans, and be available to officiate at weddings.
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