Probate and Circuit Court - Family Division

MICHIGAN PROBATE COURTS:  Leelanau County is one of 83 counties in this great State of Michigan.  There are 73 Michigan Probate Courts (courts of limited jurisdiction) with 103 elected probate judges. Probate judges are elected on a non partisan ballot for six year terms, and are subject to the same requirements as other judges with salaries set by the Legislature.  In 1998, the Legislature created the Family Division in the Circuit Court and moved what traditionally had been Probate Court matters of adoption, child protective proceedings (abuse and neglect), emancipation of minors, juvenile delinquency, name changes, and other ancillary family matter from the Probate Court to the Circuit Court - Family Division which includes Domestic Relations matters.  The Probate Court now hears matters pertaining to conservatorships, decedent estates, guardianships, involuntary treatment of mental illness, trusts, and Wills.

HONORABLE LARRY J. NELSON:  Larry J. Nelson was elected as Probate Court Judge in 2010. He took office in January of 2011.  In Leelanau County, Judge Nelson also presides over the Circuit Court - Family Division as well as the Probate Court.  Judge Nelson was born and raised in Leelanau County.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1969 and graduated from the University of Toledo Law School in 1974.  After serving four years as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County, he returned to Leelanau County where he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Prosecuting Attorney.  Prior to running for Probate Court, Judge Nelson conducted a general practice of law in Leland for over 30 years.  Judge Nelson and his wife, Connie, have two sons, Geoff and Ben, and six grandchildren, all of whom reside in Leelanau County. 

Betsy Fisher is the Court Administrator for the Probate and Circuit Court - Family Division.  She was initially hired by the county in 1980 as the Diversion/Prevention Counselor and promoted in January of 1989 to her current position.  Betsy spent her childhood summers on Glen Lake and became a permanent resident in 1975, after completing her Masters of Counseling from Michigan State University.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Notary Public, and married with three grown children.  Betsy loves working in her gardens, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, entertaining with family and friends, and holding her granddaughter.

Ryan Douglass is the Substance Abuse Caseworker/Juvenile Probation Officer for the Family Division Court.  He was hired for this position in 1999, and works primarily with males.  Ryan resides in Grand Traverse County and has been a resident there since 1980.  He received his Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Prior to working for the Court, Ryan worked as a counselor at Starr Commonwealth, Child & Family Services, and Northern Family Intervention Services. 

Josephine Lingaur is currently the Juvenile Register for the Family Division Court.  She was initially hired by the Court in 1999 as Deputy Probate Register.  Upon restructuring of the office, Josephine was promoted to Juvenile Register in 2011.  She is also a Certified Court Recorder and a Notary Public.  Josephine became a permanent resident of Leelanau County in 1972.  Josephine and her husband, Dale, have four adult children, two males and two females, and are grandparents to one little girl.

Thomas Mayhew is the Youth Services Counselor/Volunteer Coordinator including Diversion and Prevention for the Probate and Family Division Court.  He was hired for this position in 1990.  Tom became a permanent resident of Leelanau County in 1982.  He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Montana and received his Masters of Counseling from Central Michigan University.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Prior to working for the Family Division Court, Tom was employed as an Employment and Training Counselor with the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.  Tom is an outdoors person who loves to bike, paddle, ski, and hike in the beautiful Northern Michigan environment.

Joseph Povolo is a Juvenile Probation Officer for the Family Division Court, working with boys who come under the jurisdiction of the Court.  Joe became a permanent resident of Leelanau County in 1986 and joined the Court Staff in 1988.  In addition to his ongoing caseload, in 1997 he became the Juvenile Detention Project Coordinator for Leelanau County until the county discontinued the non-secure detention facilities.  He received his Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University.  Prior to working for the Court, Joe had worked in residential treatment facilities for emotionally impaired youth.

Susan Richards is currently the Probate Register for the Probate Court.  She was initially hired by the county in 1987 as the Juvenile Register.  Upon a retirement and restructuring of the office, Susan was promoted to Probate Register in 2011.  She is also a Certified Court Recorder and Notary Public.  Susan resides in Grand Traverse County with her husband, Boyd, and their two sons, who attend the Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Therese Hahnenberg-Schaub is a Juvenile Probation Officer working mainly with females.  She was hired by the County in 1995.  Previous to being hired full time, Therese volunteered her time with the Court as an Intensive Probation Monitor.  Therese’s work responsibilities have expanded to become the Northern Lower Michigan’s Girls on the Run Coordinator of the Girls on the Run nationwide program.  Therese was born and raised in Leelanau County.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Siena Heights University.  Therese has two beautiful daughters who attend St. Mary of the Assumption Schools.