Register in Probate

Kenosha County

Register in Probate

This position is appointed by the Circuit Court Judges of Kenosha County to perform the duties of the Registrar in Probate/Probate Registrar, Deputy Juvenile Clerk and Deputy Clerk of Circuit Court, pursuant to secs. 851.72, 865.065, 865.07 and 851.75, Wis. Stats. This is a combination paralegal and clerical position that coordinates all probate, guardianship, termination of parental rights, competency and adoption related activities for the court and judges. This employee is deputized to make limited legal determinations on behalf of the court as authorized by statute. This position functions as supervisor to other probate support clerical staff. This position works with the Clerk of Circuit Court for budgetary purposes.

2026 Hiring Range: $63,791 - $75,941 annually

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise employees, train staff, and review work product to ensure compliance with WI Supreme Court Rules, Statutes, Model Court Record Keeping Procedures, and Circuit Court & County Policies
• Assist and respond to inquiries regarding probate, guardianship, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and adoption from general public, attorneys, staff, and necessary state and county agencies
• Oversee the processing of documents filed with the probate court. Establish and ensure process for sending and processing documents to judge for signature
• Assess, collect and receive appropriate fees and costs associated with probate, juvenile and guardianship cases. Ensure proper cash handling procedures are followed by department
• Prepare and process any necessary case orders for payment or reimbursement of any financial obligations. Prepare and send appropriate reminder notices
• Act as probate registrar and interview and advise (to procedure not legal advice) those who desire to use the informal administration process
• Establish and maintain a tickler system using CCAP to ensure mandated case related time limits are met. Assist with proper case management of related files in coordination with judicial officials
• Send out annual accounts/reports for all guardianship cases
• Check incoming annual accounts/reports for accuracy. Bring questionable accountings to the judge’s attention
• Set and attend hearings for those who do not file the required accountings or have parties served when the judge indicates
• Complete non-county resident cost certification forms for out-of-county Chapter 51 proceedings annually
• Generate and send the Register in Probate Annual Review Not Filed Report to the chief judge, district court administrator, probate judges, corporation counsel, and the department of aging annually
• Perform other work as required or assigned

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

• Associate’s degree that includes paralegal courses or equivalent work experience
• 5 years of legal or paralegal experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of probate and guardianship experience

Licenses or Certifications

• Paralegal Certificate preferred

Other Job Requirements

• Ability to obtain State of Wisconsin Notary status

Success Factors

• Knowledge of probate and the adoption process/statutes
• Knowledge of guardianship process/statutes regarding guardian accountings and juvenile issues
• Knowledge of Wisconsin state statutes and CCAP forms
• Knowledge of probate forms and statutes/procedure
• Knowledge of Chapter 51 and guardianship/WATTS procedure
• Knowledge of court ethical standards
• Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures
• Knowledge of basic accounting calculations including interest calculations and cash drawer balancing
• Skill in organization and prioritization
• Skill in general accounting
• Skill and ability in training and evaluating employees
• Ability to maintain training modules and materials
• Ability to prioritize large workload and what documents need immediate action
• Ability to communicate with judge, court staff, and other agencies effectively and efficiently in office and courtroom settings
• Ability to distinguish the difference between providing legal information versus legal advice
• Ability to compile data and meet deadlines
• Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.

Benefits

• Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance

Selection Process

• Application Review - Qualifying.
• Oral Interview - Qualifying.
• Background Check - Qualifying.
• Drug Screen - Qualifying.

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, November 20, 2026.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Circuit Court, please visit:

http://www.kenoshacounty.org/118/Clerk-of-Courts

The full pay grade for this position is E7 (Min. $63,791 – Max. $88,092).

To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!