Mission

The mission of Oscoda County Probate Court is to administer impartial justice and safeguard individual liberty within the authority conferred by constitution and the jurisdiction empowered by statute.

 Vision

Oscoda County Probate Court will serve the public with integrity of purpose so as to fairly resolve all matters solely on the facts and law applicable in each case.  The court will provide courteous, respectful service, reasonable accommodation to ensure access to justice for all entitled, efficient case management and promptly scheduled hearings.

 Priorities

Oscoda County Probate Court exists as a public service and will steward its human and financial resources to meet the mandates of law and community priorities.

  • Public Guardian Program

The program has provided continuous service since establishment by the court in 1988.  The program assists with court ordered investigations, statutory guardianship reviews and account reviews.  The Public Guardian Program provides personal care decision makers and financial management services for those who are unable to provide for themselves and have no friends or family available to assist.

Part time clerical assistance is required to assist with preparation of notices, reports and accounts due to the volume of cases and substantial financial assets managed by the program.  Clerical assistance is also needed to enter data and prepare monthly reports for the time management system that documents services provided to each program client.

**  Maintain Public Guardian Program and provide part time clerical assistance.

  • Records Security Program

    The Records Security Program was initiated in 1988 to microfilm Probate records required by law to be permanently retained.  Probate Court files from 1881 to 1999 are now available for public viewing on microfilm at the court office.  Probate Court files from 1999 are available in original file format.

    The State of Michigan has developed standards for use of digital imaging.  Court records will continue to be preserved in the most appropriate available format that ensures security and easy access for the public.

    **   Continue records security program and implement digital scanning system when standards are available.
     

  • Judicial Information System

Judicial Information System is the statewide case management system for courts.  Probate Court connected to JIS in 1999.  The system enables the court to maximize efficient case management by electronic submission of mandated reports.  The system enables monitoring of case status to ensure all cases are promptly processed and that appointed fiduciaries are timely complying with required duties.

**   Continue training on JIS to learn and apply all aspects of the system that are available to expedite case management.

  • Public Information Program

Probate Court created handouts for distribution to the public with basic information on some of the most common types of probate cases.  The court also maintains a list of resources available for the public on a wide variety of legal topics.

**   Continue to develop handouts for new types of cases and update existing handouts to reflect changes in the law.

  • Community Outreach

The court participates in a wide variety of community outreach through presentations to schools, churches, service clubs and other groups designed to educate the public about Probate Court and related legal topics.  The court provides periodic columns to the local newspaper addressing legal issues.

**   Continue to participate in community outreach activities as court schedule permits.