Our own Catherine Sala, Probate Court Judge, was on hand to tell members what the court does. She said that, around the state, some courts handle all different types of cases – just not exclusively probate issues. District court procedures were originally established in the 60’s while Probate Court is much older than that, she said.
Catherine said that while we have a county Medical Examiner who deals with many issues involving deaths, the Probate Court is often called in to respond in the event there is no one to claim them. Catherine said she deals with peoples’ estates, wills and their interpretation, etc. The Probate Court, she says, relies a lot on mediation especially where families are divided after a loved one has passed away.
Catherine said she has relied heavily on mediation since taking the bench and really thinks people need to be heard in spite of what their views and opinions might be when it comes to deciding how they feel now that a loved one has passed away. Involving a mediator has helped tremendously with balancing her workload. Catherine said she might still need to be involved even after a complete mediation in the event an agreement between the parties cannot be reached.
Guardianships, she went on to say, whether the result of accidents or illness, render loved ones in immediate need of authorization to care for individuals and assist them with taking care of their affairs. Throughout the Pandemic, Catherine said, she saw an increase in the number of cases coming before her. Guardianship also encompasses mental health issues, she said, especially once the person reaches the age of 18 and becomes an adult.
Conservatorship is different that guardianships, she said, as these involve monetary issues like who will take care of a person’s bills if they cannot, management of a person’s finances, etc. Mental health issues, for example, might involve people who believe another person needs an evaluation because of any number of reasons. For instance, they may have a tendency to go outside in the winter without proper clothing. A petition could then be filed with Community Mental health which could eventually go to Probate Court who decides if the person can be taken involuntarily for an examination. Hospital physicians as well as psychiatrists might be brought in to conduct the evaluation.
On another note, Catherine discussed the decision not to place an in-house mental health unit in the new hospital which have made things a bit more difficult to deal with people with these issues. Catherine said that she is working with Sheriff Bevier, our own Kathryn Szewczuk, State Representative Bronna Kahle and others to address this pressing issue and have been considering a type of in-patient facility.
Catherine said there is something in the Michigan statute that would allow her and others, under the supervision of CMH, to create a center somewhere in Adrian or in Lenawee County where people could be treated for mental health issues for up to 72 hours. It would actually be a hybrid model, she said. It would not be an actual in-patient facility but a “crisis center”.
During the 72 hours, she said, patients would have access to a psychiatrist, social workers, homeless shelters, access to information and help with Social Security Disability and housing, etc. It would be a “hub” as Catherine put it. She offered that if anyone is interested in helping see this hub through to fruition, please contact her office.
Catherine concluded her presentation by mentioning that, while she is a Probate Court Judge, her responsibilities also extend into Circuit Court in cases of adoption matters along with juvenile delinquincies, and abuse and neglect issues, the latter, she said is the toughest. Very informative presentation, Catherine!!
Guest today were:
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