Chief Judge Kelli L. Wolk

AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire

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Cobb’s 1st female probate judge brings humanity to the bench

Worked with Cobb County Probate Court as a law clerk. Law clerks prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and compile case materials for judges and lawyers.

Served as a Probate Litigation and Estate Planning Attorney for a Cobb County firm.

Attended Georgia State University School of Law.

- Serves as a probate judge since 2009.
- Worked with Cobb County Probate Court as a law clerk. Law clerks prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and compile case materials for judges and lawyers.
- Served as a Probate Litigation and Estate Planning Attorney for a Cobb County firm.
- Attended Georgia State University School of Law.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "The Cobb County Probate Court has continued to operate through an expansion of probate jurisdiction... a pandemic, as well as successful development and implementation of a new case management system... we received the (CJP exceptional clearance award) from Georgia's Administrative Office of Courts."

Said, "My commitment to increased access and transparency began with ... electronic filing and remote access to the court's processes. ... With your help, the Court will continue our efforts to be accessible, fair, professional, and compassionate."

Said, "My commitment to increased access and transparency began with ... electronic filing and remote access to the court's processes."

Wants to prioritize outreach through efforts like the Cobb Legal Aid Probate Clinic and Cobb's Strategic Intercept Mental Health Model.

- The candidate's website says, "The Cobb County Probate Court has continued to operate through an expansion of probate jurisdiction... a pandemic, as well as successful development and implementation of a new case management system... we received the (CJP exceptional clearance award) from Georgia's Administrative Office of Courts."
- Said, "My commitment to increased access and transparency began with ... electronic filing and remote access to the court's processes."
- Wants to prioritize outreach through efforts like the Cobb Legal Aid Probate Clinic and Cobb's Strategic Intercept Mental Health Model.

Judicial Administration

As of March 23, 2024, Kelli L. Wolk’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judge Kelli L. Wolk

Served as a board member of LiveSafe Resources, MUST ministries, and Leadership Cobb.

Has taught continuing legal education seminars and presented on topics including probate, guardianships, estate planning, advanced directives, and administration of estates to different groups.

- Served as a board member of LiveSafe Resources, MUST ministries, and Leadership Cobb.
- Has taught continuing legal education seminars and presented on topics including probate, guardianships, estate planning, advanced directives, and administration of estates to different groups.

Community Involvement

Kelli L. Wolk

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As of March 23, 2024, Rebecca Keaton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to prioritize public service by implementing a service-oriented model for her staff, as she believes " the current Probate Judge has instructed staff not to answer questions or provide assistance...This lack of accessibility creates unnecessary hurdles... causing financial strain on grieving families."

Supports installing modern and efficient technology, claiming the current probate judge uses "outdated technology."

Plans to emphasize being compassionate and understanding so citizens feel "supported and heard" if elected probate judge.

Plans to actively engage in the local community and listen to their opinions and concerns.

- Wants to prioritize public service by implementing a service-oriented model for her staff, as she believes " the current Probate Judge has instructed staff not to answer questions or provide assistance...This lack of accessibility creates unnecessary hurdles... causing financial strain on grieving families."
- Supports installing modern and efficient technology, claiming the current probate judge uses "outdated technology."
- Plans to emphasize being compassionate and understanding so citizens feel "supported and heard" if elected probate judge.
- Plans to actively engage in the local community and listen to their opinions and concerns.

Served on the Board of Disability advocacy organizations, including the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and for Right in the Community.

Served as 7th District Chair of the Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia

- Served on the Board of Disability advocacy organizations, including the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and for Right in the Community.
- Served as 7th District Chair of the Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia

Rebecca Keaton

Probate court judges are a type of judge in Georgia who decides a type of civil court cases called a "probate" case. Probate cases can be many things, like cases about people's wills, appointing guardians to children or the elderly, and managing estates. Probate court judges also sometimes decide whether to give out marriage licenses and gun licenses, and they can also decide traffic cases. 

Cobb Probate Court Judge

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Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement