VERMONT JUDICIAL BRANCH

PURPOSE:

The Probate Register B provides organizational, technical, and public relations work as custodian of the records and papers of the court and in processing and maintaining the dockets, files and records under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court (wills, administration of estates, trusts and guardianships, adoptions, name changes and uniform gifts to minors). This position authenticates and certifies all documents pertaining to the Probate Court. This position is distinguished from Probate Register A by the size of the caseload which measures the organizational skills and complexity required in the position. Work is performed with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative and is reviewed either through monthly or quarterly statistical reports.

• Organizes the work flow of the Court and assures that probate matters before the Court are handled in a timely manner.
  
• Provides technical and procedural information to attorneys, fiduciaries, and the general public, including interested parties, either by phone, in person, or by correspondence.
  
• Schedules formal and informal hearings and conferences, and determines what type of proceeding is needed.
  
• Maintains a docket sheet for each file (matter before the court) upon which is entered all documents received, all pertinent dates, all decrees and/or licenses issued and any other chronological or financial information required.
  
• Conducts preliminary research in Vermont Statutes prior to presenting the issue to the Judge.
  
• May draft decrees as required.
  
• Types numerous documents in draft and final form.
  
• If skills permit, takes dictation.
  
• Provides petitioners with appropriate forms, assists them in completing forms, collects appropriate fees, and reviews all pertinent documents for accuracy and thoroughness.
  
• Maintains accurate accounting of money paid into the Court and submits a monthly check and a quarterly summary of cash receipts to the Court Administrator's Office.
  
• Maintains caseload statistics and prepares and submits quarterly statistical reports to the Court Administrator's Office.
  
• Processes birth, marriage, and death record corrections and establishments, marriage time waivers, and marriage authorizations in addition to responsibilities under the primary jurisdictional matters.
  
• Issues appointments of executors, administrators, guardians, and trustees.
  
• Follows up on open cases to assure timely filing and compliance with statutes and Probate procedures. Prepares a variety of documents, including orders, licenses to sell, decrees, etc. for the Judge's signature. Records all documents required by law to be recorded.
  
• Assists the general public in genealogical searches.
  
• May act as Probate Judge in Judge's absence.
  

• Education: High School graduation or equivalent and,
  
• Experience: Four (4) years of clerical or secretarial experience in a legal setting, i. e. law office, court, or legal department of a business.
  

OR

• Education: Associates Degree in a related field and,
  
• Experience: Two (2) years of clerical or secretarial level experience in a legal setting.
  

Duties are performed in an office setting. Some travel may be required for which incumbents should have private means of transportation. Incumbents must be able to deal with the public in sometimes tense, emotional situations. Public contact is present in a significant degree. Some pressure from work deadlines may be present.