Grendell named to national committee

Judge Grendell was sworn in as a new member of the National College of Probate Judges Executive Committee.

Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Timothy J. Grendell was sworn in as a new member of the National College of Probate Judges Executive Committee.

Grendell is one of 10 probate judges from across the country who are currently given the honor to serve on the Executive Committee, according to a news release. Grendell is the first combined probate/juvenile court judge ever to be elected for the position.

The National College of Probate Judges was organized in 1968 in response to public concern with the time and costs involved in estate administration, and is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to improving probate law and probate courts, the release stated.

“Probate jurisdiction” varies from state to state. However, generally, all probate courts handle cases involving the estates of deceased persons, adult guardianship and protective proceedings, and mental health and addictive disease treatment, and matters concerning developmentally disabled persons. In Ohio, probate courts also handle adoptions, certain juvenile matters, and guardianship and conservatorship of minors.

The major purposes of the National College of Probate Judges are to promote efficient, fair and just judicial administration in the probate courts; and to provide opportunities for continuing judicial education for probate judges and related personnel.

These twin purposes are accomplished through a number of national and regional programs and projects, including conferences, publications and other materials, and online media, the release stated.

“It is an honor to be chosen by probate judges throughout the country to help lead the organization in its mission to improve probate law and probate courts throughout the country,” Grendell said in the release. “Participating on the NCPJ Executive Committee will help me continue to provide innovative judicial practices, for the benefit of Geauga County families, seniors, and the county’s most vulnerable residents.”