Estate Planning News

Presiding Judges In Fifth Judicial District

St. George, UT---Judge Michael Westfall has been named presiding judge for the Fifth District Court effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008. Judge Westfall replaces Judge James Shumate. Judge Eric A. Ludlow has been named associate presiding judge.

Judge Thomas M. Higbee has been named presiding judge for the Fifth District Juvenile Court effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008. Judge Higbee replaces Judge Hans Chamberlain.

The presiding judge is responsible for the effective operation of their court. According to court Rule 3-104, presiding judges are responsible for implementation and enforcement of statutes, rules, policies, and directives of the Judicial Council as they pertain to the administration of the courts. The presiding judge is responsible for assigning cases and judges.

The Fifth Judicial District presiding judges and associated presiding judges are selected on a rotation basis. When the presiding judge is unavailable, the associate presiding judge assumes his or her responsibilities.

Contact our Maine estate planning attorney now.

	Did You Know?
	A "Family Limited Partnership" can be used to own and manage your property In a similar manner to a Trust, but allowing additional tax planning techniques to be employed. Family Limited Partnerships are typically used for those who have large estates and thus have a need for specialized estate planning in order to minimize federal and state estate/death/inheritance taxes as well as provide elements of asset protection.