VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am an attorney licensed in the State of New Mexico. I have practiced law since 1983, preparing Wills and handling probate matters for many clients over the years. I am familiar with the probate procedures and statutes.

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 would like to be invited 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 approachable.

I have lived in New Mexico for over 30 years, 17 of them in Lincoln County. 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 42 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.

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.