County probate courts exercise exclusive,
original jurisdiction in the probate of wills, administration of estates,
appointment of guardians and involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults
and other individuals.
All probate court judges administer oaths of office and issue marriage licenses.
They may hold habeas corpus hearings or preside over criminal preliminary hearings.
Unless a jury trial is requested, probate court judges may also hear certain
misdemeanors, traffic cases and violations of state game and fish laws in counties
where there is no state court. When authorized by local statute, probate judges
serve as election supervisors and make appointments to certain local public
offices.
In counties with population greater than 96,000, a party to a civil case may
request a jury trial in the probate court by a written demand with the first
pleading. Appeals from such civil cases may be to the Supreme Court or the Court of
Appeals depending on the particular matter.