The Probate Court is a statutory Probate Court headed by an elected judge, the Honorable JoAnne Garcia.
In general, the Probate Court probates the wills of deceased persons, declares the heirs of deceased persons who die without a will, establishes guardianship for incapacitated persons and minors, and supervises court-ordered involuntary mental health commitments.
The Probate Court also has jurisdiction to hear lawsuits related to an estate of a decedent or ward as well as actions by or against a personal representative of a decedent's or ward's estate. These ancillary cases cover a wide range of topics, from product liability, fiduciary litigation, medical malpractice, and family law.