Republican attorney Stephen Weiner and Democrat Cassandra Johnson are competing for the Queens Surrogate Court Judge position in the upcoming November election, aiming to succeed the incumbent Judge Peter Kelly who is stepping down after 14 years in office.
Weiner, the Republican candidate, is an experienced trust, wills, and estates attorney who has represented clients in surrogate’s court for two decades. He emphasizes the importance of the court’s role in handling guardianships for the developmentally disabled community.
On the other hand, Johnson, the Democrat candidate, currently serves as a Supreme Court judge in the 11th Judicial District. If elected as the Surrogate Court Judge, she plans to leave her current term on the Supreme Court, which extends until 2038.
The Surrogate Court plays a crucial role in handling the assets and properties of deceased individuals, even with a will in place. Without a will, surrogate court appointees manage the assets, and having a will does not shield the deceased from judicial oversight if they leave assets worth $50,000 or more.
Weiner aims to reform the appointment process for court officials involved in asset management. He believes that a more professional and less politically influenced approach is needed to ensure fair treatment of the deceased’s assets.
The upcoming election is significant for Queens residents, as the Surrogate Court Judge serves a 14-year term until the age of 70. With Judge Kelly stepping down due to age restrictions, the race between Weiner and Johnson becomes crucial for the future of the court.
In a historic Democratic primary election in June, Johnson emerged victorious over her opponent, Civil Court Judge Wendy Li. Despite facing challenges, Johnson secured the party’s nomination, highlighting the importance of widespread support in a predominantly Democratic borough like Queens.
Both candidates bring unique backgrounds and experiences to the race, with Weiner emphasizing the need for fair treatment of heirs and Johnson focusing on her legal expertise in various fields. The outcome of the election will determine the future direction of the Queens Surrogate Court and its impact on the community. Sure, here is the rewritten content for WordPress:
I am in need of ticket splitters.
