St. Clair County Probate Court

The St. Clair County Probate Court handles cases in three major areas: decedent's estates and the supervision of trusts; guardianships and conservatorships of both minors and adults; and cases involving the mentally ill.

Decedent's estates and the supervision of trusts
When someone dies and they have property, the Court can be asked to "probate", or administer the person's property, or "estate." The Court appoints a personal representative for the estate who gathers the assets, pays the bills and distributes the estate. When the Court supervises a trust, it makes sure that the terms of the trust are carried out. It also decides any disputes concerning the trust.

Guardianships and conservatorships
The Probate Court decides if a person cannot manage her daily life (guardianship) or finances (conservatorship.) The court also decides who should serve as a guardian or conservator to help such a person.
The Probate Court may appoint a guardian or conservator of a minor or a guardian or conservator of an adult. If a person is a developmentally disabled person, the court applies the Mental Health Code in deciding the case. A guardian of the person or guardian of the estate may be appointed for a developmentally disabled person.

Cases involving the mentally ill.
If a resident of St. Clair County is mentally ill and a danger to herself or others, the Court may order that person to get treatment. If the Court determines that an individual is a person requiring treatment, it must determine the duration and kind of treatment.

Hours
The St. Clair County Probate Court is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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