The Probate Pro provides probate legal representation throughout the State of Michigan, Illinois and Florida. If you live in any of these States, we want to help you stay informed on the probate court in your county. We’ve put together some vital information for people residing in Kent County, Michigan.

 

Fun Facts about Kent County

Kent County had a population of 602,622 in the 2010 US census. It is named for New York jurist and legal scholar James Kent, who represented the Michigan Territory in its dispute with Ohio over the Toledo Strip.

Address

180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 2500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Parking

There is street parking as well as parking spaces dedicated for long term parking near the building.

Kent County Probate Court Judges

Hon. David M. Murkowski

  • Judge Murkowski graduated cum laude from Marquette University where he was awarded the university’s Outstanding Student Service Award, and the Polanki College Achievement Scholarship. He attended Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was an honor roll graduate in 1983.

Hon. Terence J. Ackert

  • Judge Terence J. “T.J.” Ackert took the bench on September 1, 2015.  A graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Toledo College of Law, he served clients throughout Michigan and the Midwest for thirty-one years.

Hon. Patricia D. Gardner

  • Judge Gardner took the bench on January 13, 1997. She received her bachelor’s degree and JD from the University of Michigan. Before taking the bench, Judge Gardner practiced probate and family law with the firm of Kozera, Brown and Gardner. Judge Gardner is assigned to the Family Division of Circuit Court.

Hon. Patrick Hillary

  • Judge Hillary took the bench in January of 2001. Judge Hillary received his undergraduate degree from Ferris State University and JD from Thomas Cooley Law School. Before taking the bench, Judge Hillary was a sole practitioner with primary emphasis in Family Law.

Kent County Hours and Operations

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Kent County Probate Court Website

The Kent County Probate Court has a great, interactive website that allows you to do many things from the comfort of your home! Of those things, you can look up the Probate Court hearing schedule, the Court record request, and the Court record search. This will allow you to see where you are on the Judge’s schedule, digitally request papers, and look up information about your case online.   The Kent County Probate Court can be found online at the following URL: https://www.accesskent.com/Courts/Probate/default.htm

Security Requirements

By Court order, weapons and cutting instruments are NOT permitted. The following items may not be brought into the buildings: guns, knives (including small pocket knives), razors, scissors, box cutters, any type of spray, and food/beverages (except for identified jurors and staff). All packages may be inspected. Dangerous or illegal objects may be seized.

Cell phones and pagers must be placed in the silent mode, unless otherwise instructed at entry to the courthouse. Use of cell phones and pagers is not allowed in the courtrooms or hearing rooms. Use of cell phones and pagers in other areas of the courthouse is permitted unless a restriction notice is posted. Users should exercise discretion in their conversations being held in a public environment.

Venue and Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction relates to which matters will be heard in a court. The Kent County Probate Court has jurisdiction over deceased probate estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. While, venue describes what court you should go to.  Kent County Probate Court is the correct venue for people who are domiciled in Kent County or have property in Kent County.

Probate Lawyer near me

The Probate Pro is grateful to be able to practice law in Kent County. We are here to help you navigate this journey by focusing on your goals.  If you have any questions concerning any aspect of the law, call The Probate Pro at (833) PROBATE.