In Support of the National College of Probate Judges
Resolution 10 In Support of the National College of Probate Judges
The number of vulnerable elderly persons is projected to increase rapidly over the next twenty years. This demographic shift is likely to result in a significant rise in court cases and proceedings aimed at protecting older individuals, including guardianship, conservatorship, elder abuse proceedings, and restraining orders.
Courts that exercise probate jurisdiction traditionally address matters with profound impacts on individuals and families. These include, but are not limited to, decedents' estates, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings for adults and minors, and civil commitment proceedings for persons with mental illness or substance use disorders requiring involuntary treatment. Legal proceedings within this jurisdiction are becoming more numerous, complex, and frequently cross state or international boundaries.
Oversight of guardians and conservators has become a growing concern, drawing attention from the media, state supreme court investigations, task forces, Congressional hearings, and Government Accountability Office reports. In 33 states, as well as the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, probate jurisdiction resides in courts of general jurisdiction. Judges may be assigned or designated on a rotating basis within circuits or districts that have multiple judges.
It is vital that judges exercising probate jurisdiction have access to high-quality education on emerging national issues and opportunities to build professional networks with their peers across the country. The National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ), established in 1968, is the only national organization focused solely on improving probate law and courts. NCPJ provides its members with semi-annual educational conferences, web-based and printed resources, legal updates, court standards, and other tools to support judges in their probate responsibilities.
To expand access to its resources, NCPJ offers a "judicial position" membership, allowing judges in courts of general jurisdiction who hear probate matters to benefit from its educational offerings and peer network.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators encourage their members to advocate for courts of general jurisdiction in their states that handle probate matters to become "judicial position members" of the National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ), and to promote the participation of probate judges in the valuable educational and professional resources that NCPJ provides.
Adopted as proposed by the CCJ/COSCA Elders and the Courts Committee at the 2011 Annual Meeting on August 3, 2011.