As we pull into 2022, the Probate Courts are looking and operating a little different then we are use to. On Jan. 28th, The San Antonio Bar Association’s Elder Law Section so kindly brought in the staffs of both Probate Courts to introduce them to the probate community. This is the first expansion of staff in the Probate Courts in over 16 years and we are excited to see how things are changing.
Starting with Probate Court No. One, Judge Oscar Kazen introduced his staff, new associate Judge, and the new Mental Health Judges. The well-oiled machine of Probate Court No. One staff has added a few new faces starting with the addition of Hee Kyu Tocci as a second Staff Attorney. Mrs. Tocci has years of experience in probate law and is a wonderful addition to the staff.
Moving down the hall to Probate Court No. Two, Judge Veronica Vasquez has brought in a few more friendly faces to build the support needed for the ever-growing probate courts. Judge Vasquez has brought on an additional Staff Attorney. Now Aridssa Martinez will help with the contested docket while Courtenay Euton will handle the uncontested docket. In addition, the Court for the first time, has a Paralegal, Omar Morales. Omar will be handling the compliance side of the Court. This will be most helpful for Guardians of the Person Only and their Annual Reports.
Most in the Probate community may recognize the next two names, Carmen Samaniego and Barbie Scharf-Zeldes. After brilliant careers of litigating thousands of cases in the areas of family law and probate, Carmen and Barbie are stepping in to serve as the Associate Judges alongside Judge Kazen and Judge Vasquez. This addition is especially exciting as it has the potential to double the Courts’ docket. While the Associate Judges are already hearing uncontested, mental health and commitment dockets, they will eventually have their own dockets allowing them to do everything the sitting Judge currently does.
The Mental Health Court is also expanding. We have three new associate Judges sitting in the Mental Health Court now, David McClain, Barrett Shipp, Erika Moe. Each brining their own experience and wealth of knowledge to the bench, these three will review proposed Application for Emergency Apprehension and Detention and sign necessary Orders for Emergency Apprehension and Detention, and will hear Probable Cause and Commitment Hearings to get individuals the care they need in emergency situations.
The overall census of the Court Staff was BE PROACTIVE!!! As partitioners in these unprecedented times, the Courts are helping us as much as they can with checklists for the different probate scenarios: Guardianships, Administrations, Heirships, etc. Beyond the use of these checklists, it was made clear to file early. The Court has not been left unaffected by the pandemic and the Probate Clerk’s office remains understaffed causing a delay in acceptance and response to request. So file early and then communicate appropriately with the Court Staff to make sure the pleadings are seen and moved in an appropriate time frame. Everything is now electronic and the Court Staff is not made aware of filings by the Clerk so it is our job to make them aware.
With all these exciting changes in the Courts, we want our clients to know that it is still our priority to maintain excellence in serving your probate needs. If you or someone you know has questions about Estate Planning, Guardianship, or Probate, please feel free to contact Marquardt Law Firm, P.C.
