Sponsors
The Texas Judicial Academy is a partnership between the Texas Association of Counties and the Texas Tech University School of Law.
Overview
The Probate Academy is a program designed to meet the educational needs of judges, clerks and other court personnel responsible for setting and disposing of probate and guardianship cases. The course will feature two tracks: one for judges and one for elected clerks and those responsible for daily operations of the probate court. The curriculum has been designed to meet the specific needs of each constituency, emphasizing the duties set forth in the Texas Estates Code and providing opportunities for interactive training and facilitated discussion with other elected officials and county personnel. In addition to in-depth training on core topics, the course encourages the exchange of practical solutions to common problems.
Reimbursement
This program is partially funded by a Judicial & Court Personnel Training Fund grant administered by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In accordance with the grant guidelines, reimbursement may be provided for grant-allowable lodging and transportation expenses.
All travel reservations made through third-party vendors (Hotels.com, Expedia.com, Booking.com, etc.) cannot be reimbursed. For more information on reimbursements, please call Ashley Royer at (800) 456-5974.
Reimbursement requests must be submitted to TAC within 60 days of the event. Any request received after 60 days will not be reimbursed.
Reimbursement may be provided for no more than two attendees per county: the county judge and one clerk or clerk personnel.
Who Should Attend
The content of this program is directed to constitutional county judges, elected clerks and court personnel when hearing and deposing of a general jurisdiction probate docket.
Registration
The registration fee is $125.
Registration fees are voluntary and used for expenses that are unallowable or are insufficiently covered by the Judicial & Court Personnel Training Fund grant. These include speaker fees, materials, meals and social activities. Fees are deposited in a fund for county judges’ education within the general revenue funds of the Texas Association of Counties.
County Judges Education Advisory Committee
Hon. Stephanie Davis, Chair, Comanche County Judge
Hon. Brett Bray, Blanco County Judge
Hon. Charlie Falcon, Andrews County Judge
Hon. Juan Carlos Guerra, Jim Hogg County Judge
Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Judge
Hon. Justin Lewis, Hill County Judge
Hon. Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge
Hon. Curtis Parrish, Lubbock County Judge
Hon. Byron Ryder, Leon County Judge
Hon. Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge
Ms. Jamie Baker, Associate Dean and Director of the Law Library, Texas Tech University School of Law Library (ex-officio)
Mr. Nathan Cradduck, Tom Green County Auditor (ex-officio)
County Clerks Education Advisory Committee for Probate Academy
Hon. Julie Smith, Chair, Potter County Clerk
Hon. CJ Chasco, Swisher County Clerk
Hon. Shelley Coston, Bell County Clerk
Hon. Heidi Easley, Victoria County Clerk
Hon. Janette Green, Palo Pinto County Clerk
Hon. Donece Gregory, Tyler County Clerk
Hon. Jennifer Martin, Ector County Clerk
Hon. Karen McQueen, Brazos County Clerk
Hon. Barbara Steffeck, Lavaca County Clerk
Hon. Karren Winter, Archer County Clerk
Overton Hotel & Conference Center – HOTEL FULL. Rooms are available at the Cotton Court Hotel noted below.
2322 Mac Davis Ln.
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 776-7000
The room rate will be the prevailing state government rate for 2023, currently $98/night for single/double occupancy. Book your room at the Overton online or call (806) 776-7000 and request a room in the "Probate Academy" room block. This group rate is available until April 24, 2023. After this date, rates are subject to hotel availability.
Cotton Court Hotel – OVERFLOW HOTEL
1610 Broadway St.
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 758-5800
The room rate at the Cotton Court Hotel is $129/night for single or double occupancy. Additional adults are $20 more per adult per night. You may book online or call (806) 758-5800. When calling, request the "2023 Probate Academy" group rate or use the group code 2PA611. This group rate is available until April 28, 2023. After this date, rates are subject to hotel availability.
| Wednesday, May 10 |
| 5-6 p.m. |
Welcome Reception |
The Probate Academy provides judicial education credit for constitutional county judges. Application is pending for clerks’ education hours. Application is pending with the State Bar of Texas to determine MCLE credit for attorneys.
| Continuing Education Type |
Hours |
| Judges |
16 |
| Clerks |
17.25 |
| Attorneys |
Pending |
Please email Regan Williams to cancel your conference registration. You may also fax a notice of cancellation to (512) 477‑1324.
Please note all events will take place at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
| Wednesday, May 10 |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
| 7-8 a.m. |
Breakfast Buffet |
| General Session |
| 8-8:10 a.m. |
Welcome & Introductions |
| 8:10-8:40 a.m. |
Rules of the Road
Speakers: Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk
Hon. Karren Winter, Archer County Clerk
This session will review of the Texas Estates Code, with tabs to attach to your copy to easily find what you're looking for.
|
| 8:40-9:40 a.m. |
Roles of the Judge and Clerk
Speakers: Hon. Stephanie Davis, Comanche County Judge
Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Judge
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk
This panel will discuss the roles of each office and how to assist one another in managing dockets.
|
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Jurisdiction, Venue & Transfers
Speaker: Hon. Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge
An overview of when and how a court exercises jurisdiction, the proper venue for pleadings, and why you may transfer.
|
| 11:00-noon |
Legal Advice vs. Legal Resources
Speaker: Hon. Justin Lewis, Hill County Judge
The line between legal advice and legal resources can be confusing. Judge Lewis will explain how to manage expectations from your constituents and how to navigate ethical considerations.
|
| Noon-1 p.m. |
Lunch (provided) |
| Clerks' Breakout Sessions |
| 1-2 p.m. |
Clerk 101 (Fundamentals of Clerks in the Probate World)
Speakers: Hon. Donece Gregory, Tyler County Clerk
Hon. Janette Green, Palo Pinto County Clerk |
| 2:15-3:15 p.m. |
Citation & Notice
Speakers: Hon. Heidi Easley, Victoria County Clerk
Hon. Karen McQueen, Brazos County Clerk |
| 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
Transfers In & Out
Hon. Jennifer Martin, Ector County Clerk
Hon. Karren Winter, Archer County Clerk |
| 4:45-5:15 p.m. |
Bingo!
Pick up a bingo card and get to meet your fellow Clerks and Court staff. |
| 5:30-6:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception |
| Thursday, May 11 |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
| 7-8 a.m. |
Breakfast Buffet |
| General Session |
| 8-9 a.m. |
Probate Fundamentals
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
This session will provide a foundational overview of probate matters.
|
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. |
Changes After Will Execution
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
How to handle wills that have been modified or revoked, and an overview of how those changes should be made.
|
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. |
Handbooks for Fiduciaries
Speaker: Hon. Jerry Simoneaux, Judge, Harris County Probate Court No. 1
An overview of the fiduciary responsibilities of individuals responsible to an estate and the duties of the guardian in a guardianship proceeding.
|
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| Clerks' Breakout Sessions |
| 1-1:45 p.m. |
Guardianship Calendar & Timelines
Speakers: Hon. Karen McQueen, Brazos County Clerk
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk |
| 1:45-2:45 p.m. |
County Clerk Reporting Requirements
Mr. Baxter Vaughan, Chief Deputy, Lubbock County |
| 3-4 p.m. |
OCA Reporting Requirements and Resources
Speaker: Mr. Jeff Rinard, Director of Enterprise Planning & Regulatory Services, Office of Court Administration |
| 4-5 p.m. |
E-Filing Overview
Speaker: Casey Kennedy, E-Filing Department, Office of Court Administration |
| 5-5:30 p.m. |
E-Filing From the Filers Perspective
Speaker: Ms. Laura Pleasant |
| Friday, May 12 |
| 7:30 a.m.-noon |
Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast Buffet |
| General Session |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. |
Case Law & Legislative Update
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
An overview of the most up-to-date court decisions and legislation.
|
| 9:45-10:45 a.m. |
Texas Guardianship Association
Speaker: Mr. Terry Hammond, Executive Director, Texas Guardianship Association
The resources available through this nonprofit organization are dedicated to educating professionals and family and volunteer guardians on ethics, standards and best practices related to court-appointed guardianships in Texas.
|
| 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. |
Q&A With Professor Beyer |
*Agenda is subject to change.
Please note all events will take place at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
| Wednesday, May 10 |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
| 7-8 a.m. |
Breakfast Buffet |
| General Session |
| 8-8:10 a.m. |
Welcome & Introductions |
| 8:10-8:40 a.m. |
Rules of the Road
Speakers: Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk
Hon. Karren Winter, Archer County Clerk
This session will review of the Texas Estates Code, with tabs to attach to your copy to easily find what you're looking for.
|
| 8:40-9:40 a.m. |
Roles of the Judge and Clerk
Speakers: Hon. Stephanie Davis, Comanche County Judge
Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Judge
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk
This panel will discuss the roles of each office and how to assist one another in managing dockets.
|
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Jurisdiction, Venue & Transfers
Speaker: Hon. Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge
An overview of when and how a court exercises jurisdiction, the proper venue for pleadings, and why you may transfer.
|
| 11:00 a.m.-noon |
Legal Advice vs. Legal Resources
Speaker: Hon. Justin Lewis, Hill County Judge
The line between legal advice and legal resources can be confusing. Judge Lewis will explain how to manage expectations from your constituents and how to navigate ethical considerations.
|
| Noon-1 p.m. |
Lunch (provided) |
| Judges' Breakout Sessions |
| 1-2 p.m. |
Foreign Wills
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
What to do when a will executed outside of Texas is filed in your court, what to look for, and how it is proved.
|
| 2-3 p.m. |
Mutual, Contractual & Joint Wills
Speaker: Mr. Lee Franks, Attorney, Law Offices of Lee Franks
An explanation of wills that are tied to each other either by a contract, agreement, or in the same document.
|
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. |
Dependent Administrations
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
How to handle the complexities of a dependent administration, including an overview of timelines and responsibilities.
|
| 4:15-5:15 p.m. |
Judicial Responsibilities
Speaker: Hon. Jerry Simoneaux, Judge, Harris County Probate Court No. 1
The county judge's role and responsibility in overseeing the probate and guardianship docket.
|
| 5:15-6:15 p.m. |
Welcome Reception |
| Thursday, May 11 |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
| 7-8 a.m. |
Breakfast Buffet |
| General Session |
| 8-9 a.m. |
Probate Fundamentals
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
This session will provide a foundational overview of probate matters.
|
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. |
Changes After Will Execution
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
How to handle wills that have been modified or revoked, and an overview of how those changes should be made.
|
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. |
Handbooks for Fiduciaries
Speaker: Hon. Jerry Simoneaux, Judge, Harris County Probate Court No. 1
An overview of the fiduciary responsibilities of individuals responsible to an estate and the duties of the guardian in a guardianship proceeding.
|
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| Judges' Breakout Sessions |
| 1-2 p.m. |
Mental Health Proceedings
Speaker: Hon. Curtis Parrish, Lubbock County Judge
Judge Parrish will review the mental health process in court.
|
| 2:15-3:15 p.m. |
Protective Orders, Temporary Injunctions and Restraining Orders
Speaker: Hon. Brett Bray, Blanco County Judge
How to protect assets and people by utilizing orders from the court.
|
| 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
Adult Protective Services
Speaker: Mr. Ernesto Morin, Texas Department of Family & Protective Services
A review of the Adult Protective Services, program, resources and legal actions.
|
| Friday, May 12 |
| 7:30 a.m.-noon |
Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast Buffet |
| General Session |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. |
Case Law & Legislative Update
Speaker: Professor Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
An overview of the most up-to-date court decisions and legislation.
|
| 9:45-10:45 a.m. |
Texas Guardianship Association
Speaker: Mr. Terry Hammond, Executive Director, Texas Guardianship Association
The resources available through this nonprofit organization are dedicated to educating professionals and family and volunteer guardians on ethics, standards and best practices related to court-appointed guardianships in Texas.
|
| 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. |
Q&A With Professor Beyer |
*Agenda is subject to change.