Four candidates will face off in the August 7 primary to be the next Grand Traverse County Probate Judge, a position that pays approximately $140,000 annually. The top two vote-getters meet in the November general election; one will take over the seat currently held by Judge David Stowe, who announced in March that he would not seek re-election to a third, six-year term.

Who goes to Probate Court? Parents adopting a child, couples ending their marriages, families in disputes over estates, abused children and juvenile offenders are just a few examples. In many cases, it is very vulnerable citizens going through very difficult times.

So, who are the candidates? The Ticker offers up a snapshot profile of each below. For more, click on each candidate’s name:

Kirsten Keilitz
Current gig: 13th Circuit Court Domestic Relations Referee and Grand Traverse County Juvenile and Family Division Referee.

Why I run: “I’ve learned firsthand that just one person who cares, who is respectful, who listens and who takes the time to understand can make a difference in a person’s life. I know that I can make a difference.”

If elected: Seeks to make improvements that would help self-represented persons with court processes, improve court’s use of technology, and better accommodate the public’s schedules.

The difference: In her role as court referee, Keilitz has conducted 77+ custody hearings, 60+ hearings regarding parenting time (plus 130 to enforce), 67+ hearings about child support amount (plus 1,140+ hearings to enforce), 2,000+ hearings in juvenile delinquency, and child abuse and neglect proceedings, and reviewed 550 requests for personal protection orders. “Although my challengers have had successful legal careers, none comes close to having this level and breadth of experience in the courtroom.”

Of note: Unanimously appointed to her current position by 13th Circuit Court & Probate/Family Division judges in September 2009.

Adam Lett 
Current gig: Private practice; focused on probate court work for the past 16 years.

Why I run: “I want to help the juveniles, adults and families who appear in the Probate Court through what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives.”

If elected: Seeks to build efficiencies and improvements with existing programs, use ability to understand intricacies of complex cases and to make fair decisions in a timely matter to move cases through the court more quickly; ensure that court matters are handled fairly, compassionately and promptly.

The difference: Lett boasts experience with probate and trust administration matters and all forms of probate court litigation; has worked in both small and large firms, as a solo practitioner and small business owner.

Of note: Serving the community as a judge has been a longtime goal. “This is the first time a position became open where I believe I am best suited to help the community." Also, passed the bar exam in three states, each on the first attempt.

Linda Raetz
Current gig: Private practice lawyer for 23 years, adoption attorney; family law mediator for the last 12 years.

Why I run: “As a mediator, I help families every day resolve their domestic and civil issues. As I look back over my professional career, I see how every job I ever held has pointed toward this position.”

If elected: Seeks to allow co-parents to be part of the process in determining parenting time before they get an order from the Friend of the Court; to implement a mentoring program for juvenile offenders; and to implement a mediation plan to submit all probate matters to mediation to try to resolve family disputes before going to court.

The difference: Offers real life experience, local business owner for 19 years, and voted “Boss of the Year” in 2010 by the Grand Traverse Area Legal Professionals.

Of note: She and her husband have children adopted as a sibling group when they were elementary age. “I understand the emotions associated with children going from one family to their ‘forever family’ and blending with the biological children.”

Melanie Stanton 
Current gig: Private practice, work in probate court for last 15+ years, family law 21+ years.

Why I run: “I would like to bring my years of experience, knowledge of the law, integrity, impartiality and passion to the Probate/Family Court to continue and improve upon the programs and services.”

If elected: Seeks new funding sources for the Juvenile Mental Health Court; to develop court-run volunteer program to assist with elder abuse; to explore a program for juveniles suffering from both substance abuse and mental illness; to incorporate e-filing of documents and pleadings; and to communicate with the public about the court.

The difference: Hands-on experience, and knowledge and dedication to the children, families and adults appearing before the Probate Court; court-approved domestic mediator since 2004.

Of note: Years of experience practicing before the Probate and Family Court and has worked as a “Guardian ad Litem” for the court, participating in fact-finding and making recommendations; ran an unsuccessful bid for 86th District Court Judge in 2010.

Stay tuned to The Ticker for candidate profiles of additional seats up for grabs in the upcoming primaries.