Bangor lawyer will fill Penobscot County probate decide emptiness

Penobscot County is set to have a new probate judge as a Bangor lawyer, who has extensive experience in probate law, has been appointed to fill the void.

Who is the new probate judge?

The new probate judge is Susan Thiem, who has been practicing law for over 35 years. She has served as a guardian ad litem, mediator, and attorney for children, and has experience in both civil and criminal law.

Why is this appointment significant?

This appointment is significant because it fills a vacancy that has been present in Penobscot County for some time. The previous judge, who had been in the position for 16 years, retired in December 2021. Since then, the position has remained vacant, leaving the probate court with a backlog of cases.

Thiem’s appointment will help to alleviate this backlog and ensure that the probate court can continue to function effectively. Her experience in probate law, coupled with her background in civil and criminal law, makes her well-suited to serve as a probate judge.

What is probate law?

Probate law is the area of law that deals with the distribution of a person’s assets and property after their death. A probate court is responsible for overseeing the administration of an estate, including the payment of any debts and taxes, and the distribution of assets to heirs.

In addition to overseeing the distribution of assets, a probate court is also responsible for appointing guardians for minors and incapacitated adults, and for approving the creation of trusts.

What can we expect from Judge Thiem?

Based on her experience in probate law, we can expect Judge Thiem to be a fair and impartial judge who will work to ensure that the probate court operates efficiently and effectively. She will be responsible for overseeing the administration of estates, appointing guardians, and approving trusts.

In addition, she will be responsible for resolving disputes that may arise during the probate process. This could include disputes over the validity of a will, or disagreements between heirs over the distribution of assets.

Overall, Judge Thiem’s appointment is a positive development for the probate court in Penobscot County. Her extensive experience in probate law, coupled with her background in civil and criminal law, makes her well-suited to serve as a probate judge and to ensure that the court operates effectively and efficiently.