Who Really Runs the American Mental Health System -- One Judge's Opinion

Who runs the mental health system in this country? Not the executive branch or the legislature.

In my view, politicians have invested precious little thought, energy or resources. The Republicans decided it is too complex and expensive and the Democrats have defaulted to agenda rights groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

We all know that the topic of serious mental illness -- and what to do about it -- is labyrinthine. Just look at Hollywood. Press agents and PR gurus who search for a cause for their stars to champion put celebrities on a plane to Africa because mental health is just too complicated: you can’t just appear and say “we need to feed these starving people” when you're talking about the mentally ill.

The U.S. Mental Health System Isn't Controlled by the Judiciary, Either

I'm a judge. I know that Judges don’t run the programs or even tinker with the edges. We just confirm what the doctor says. We never say “No” we are not going to admit a patient who is a danger to himself or others, nor do we have any discretion whatsoever on that patient's release once the Doctor says they are no longer a danger. No discretion. None.

All the credit or blame for the system is in the hands of the psychiatrist. Psychiatrists run mental health in America today.

We Need to Be Discussing The Problems and Finding Solutions

Where can we find a discussion of the system? Is there a central publication that helps examine the current crisis in our country's mental health system with a goal to bring change?

Protecting the Public from Mental Illness Caused Violence

It is my goal to use a significant portion of this blog to focus upon the mental health system that our country experiences today with a particular emphasis on protecting the public from the violently mentally ill. I am extremely concerned about the victims of violence caused by mental illness, especially infants and young children.

The recent tragedy that our community experienced, when a young mother -- known to be mentally ill -- butchered her infant in a horrific manner, a story which garnered national news attention, only serves to provide further impetus to me that we must work hard on finding solutions to the current system's maladies.

Please return to find additional posts and reference information on these issues, and know that your comments are welcome.

-- Judge Tom Rickhoff

Judge Rickhoff's Bio

Tom Rickhoff was born in Idaho on July 13, 1944, at the Farragutt Naval Air Station, while his father was serving in the Phillippines. His parents were married on Valentine’s Day, 1942.

After his naval service, Tom’s dad worked first as a trial lawyer for 28 years, as well as serving as a state district judge. John and Lela Rickhoff had six other children: John, Lynn, Jim, Gerry, Mike, and Mary Ann.

Gerry Rickhoff currently serves Bexar County as its County Clerk. Jim Rickhoff is a Captain at the Bexar County Sheriff's office; Mike was recently honored as Law Officer of the Year. John is retired from the U.S. Postal Service, and sister Lynn is a university fund raiser. Mary Ann works for Drury Inn and her husband, Charlie, is Deputy Director of the Texas Veterans' Commission.

On September 5, 1970, Tom married Carol Mumford. Tom and Carol have been married for 39 years. Carol has a masters’ degree in social work from Our Lake of the Lake University. Together, they have raised a family of five children: three boys: Hans, Franz, and Fritz, and two girls: Erika and Liesel.

EDUCATION

Formal Education

St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, Graduated 1966

St. Mary’s University-School of Law, Graduated 1969

University of Texas-Master’s Candidate, 1978-1979

Continuing Education

Department of Justice, Training Program for Prosecutors, 1970

Judge Advocate General’s School 1970, 1976

Military Judge Certification Course 1985

National Judicial College, Reno, Nevada 1985

Judicial College, Huntsville, Texas 1981

Universidad de Guanajauato Law School, 1999

EXPERIENCE

Military Experience

Lt. Colonel, Retired, United States Army 2004

Captain, Active Duty, United States Army 1969-1974

Lieutenant Colonel, Reserves, United States Army 1974-1993

Captain, Active Duty United States Army 1969-1974

Legal Career

Associate Professor of Law, St. Mary’s University, 1987-2000,
State and Federal Practice.

Adjunct Professor,University of Alaska, Summer 1998,
Trial Advocacy.

Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute,Patrick AFB, 1986-1987
Certified both as equal opportunity officer and judge.

Military Judge Training, 1985

Bexar County District Clerk,January 1979-September 1980
First Republican ever elected to countywide office. Supervised a staff of 100 and a $1 million budget. Implemented much-needed courthouse reforms. Named “Politician of the Year” by the San Antonio Light, 1979.

Strother, Johnson and Rickhoff, 1977-1979
General practice of law with emphasis on civil and criminal litigation. Represented clients in both federal and state courts.

Assistant United States Attorney, Department of Justice 1974-1977
Chief of the Special Crimes Unit, Western District of Texas 1976-1977Responsible for developing and coordinating prosecutions, including white-collar crime, organized crime and other sophisticated and sensitive investigations.

Special Trial Attorney, Department of Justice
Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike Force, New Orleans Field Office, 1974-1976.First-chair prosecutor for Mafia and gambling operations. Accounted for 90 percent of convictions in 5 prosecutor offices. Duties included supervising investigations, presenting results to grand jury, wiretaps, obtaining convictions and defending those convictions before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Judge Advocate General School, 1970 and 1976

Command and General Staff College, 1982

Noteworthy Cases:

Trial attorney, United States v. William Cook and Charles Stafford Jackson (1986);United States v. Curtis Leo Hall (1975);

Trial Judge, State of Texas v. Donald Gene Franklin (1982); Capital Murder/death penalty case affirmed by U.S. Supreme Court; United States v. Jose T. Rivera, (1972), defense counsel;

Presiding Judge, In re Ignacio Garcia (1987).

Time On The Bench

Probate Court, Bexar County,2001 – Present
Appointed in 2001,won contested election in 2002.

Fourth Court of Appeals, 1998
Unopposed for Reelection

Fourth Court of Appeals, 1992Held a six-year term.

289th District Court, 1990
Unopposed for Reelection

289th District Court, 1986
Elected by 65.5%, largest percentage for any Republican countywide candidate in Bexar History. Held a four-year term.

289th District Court, 1982
Elected by 59%
Held a four-year term

289th District Court, 1981
Appointed by Governor William P. Clements

Bexar County District Clerk, 1978
Held a four-year term.
Was first successful Republican County-wide candidate in Bexar History.

Honors & Organizations

President’s Award, Community Guidance Center, 1992
Public Citizen of the Year, National Association of Social Workers, 1991
Outstanding Service to Children, Advisory Board High Risk Infant Program, 1990
Outstanding Contribution Award, Nosotros, 1986
Appreciation Award, Teenage Crime Commission, 1989
Politician of the Year, 1979

Memberships

San Antonio Bar Association
Family Law, Criminal Law Juvenile and Military Sections, State Bar of Texas
National Council of Juvenile and Family Law Court Judges
Permanency Planning Task Force for Texas 1987
State Bar:Admitted on December 15, 1969

Organizations:*Unless indicated, all active work was discontinued after joining the court of appeals.

Television Commentator, Channel 5, KENS—“Eye on San Antonio” Weekly Segment
Radio Commentator, WOAI, “Judge Rickhoff On the Law”—Weekly Segment
Coordinating Chair, San Antonio/Bexar County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission.

Director, Bexar/Bulverde Volunteer Fire District Board of Directors
Director, Judson Montessori School Board
Director, San Antonio Police Academy Board of Directors
Director, Family Services Association Board of Directors

Member, Holy Trinity Parish-Current

Associated, Downtown RotaryAssociated,
Associated, Texas Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Associated, San Antonio Coalition for Children, Youth and Families
Associated, Alamo Area Council of Governments
Associated, Oblate Associates
Member, St. Mary’s Alumni Board of Directors, 2001
Associated, San Antonio Children’s Center
Associated, Community Guidance Center
Associated, Healy Murphy Center
Associated, Patrician Movement
Associated, Youth Alternatives
Associated, Seton Home
Associated, Christian Pro-Life Foundation
Associated, Bexar County Mental Health Group Home
Associated, Children’s Shelter
Associated, Salvation Army for Girls
Member, Child Advocates of San Antonio Board of Directors, 2001
Associated, Nosotros
Associated, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Associated, Los Compadres de San Antonio
Rotary International, downtown San Antonio, Texas

Writings

Historical Articles:
Senator Red Berry History of Gambling in San Antonio, Texas, Scene San Antonio, 2005
History of 'Bigfoot' Wallace, San Antonio Express-News 2000

Legal Writings:
Moderator, Political Aspects of Appellate Law, 30 St. Mary’s L.J. 1137 (1999)
The United States Attorney: Fateful Powers Limited, 27 St. Mary’s L.J. 499 (1997)
St. Mary’s L.J. 259 (1989) (co-authored with Curtis L. Cukjati)
Protecting the Fetus from Maternal Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Proposal for Texas, 21Case Examples:Hartman v. State, 2 S.W.3d 490 (Tex. App.-San Antonio 1999, pet ref’d)
Mireles V. Texas Dept. of Public Safety, 993 S.W.2d 426 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 1999), aff’d, 9 S.W.3d 126 (Tex. 1999)
Amunson v. State, 928 S.W.2d 601 (Tex. App.-San Antonio 1996, pet ref’d
Ryan v. Friesenhahn, 911 S.W.2d 113 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 1995), aff’d, 960 S.W.2d 656 (Tex. 1998)

Practitioner Support: ABA's Free, Online Resources

The Real Property, Probate & Trust section of the American Bar Association (soon to be known as the "Section of Real Estate, Trust & Estate Law") provides probate practitioners nationwide with a tremendous amount of free online support.

1. Magazine Articles by Recognized Experts

The section offers a topic index as well as a free read of many articles from its own bi-monthly magazine, Probate & Property.

For example, Texas' Professor Beyer, along with other contributors, offers up Keeping Current, and detailed practice-specific articles are found in every issue. In May/June, the second half of John Reddy and Marc Bekerman's article appears, "Essential Steps to Take After 'Finishing' the Estate Plan."

2. E-Reports on Current Practice Issues

Its periodic online RPPT E-Report also provides valuable information. One recent article that many might find helpful is "The Strongest Links -- Staying on Track with Track Changes," by Tom Mighell and Dennis Kennedy. If you don't know what "track changes" means, then you may want to read this article - because anyone using Microsoft Office word processing in the creation of legal documents is impacted by them.

3. Extensive Link List

The Section's website also maintains a link list - actually, three: one focused upon real property; another focused upon probate and trust law, and a third list containing more general information sources.

Links provided here include:

US Tax Code Online (searchable database)

Social Security Online (searchable database)

ABA's Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning

CareGiver Support: Non-Qualifying Budget Help

Court personnel, as well as probate practioners, deal with a great number of individuals who are helping care for an elderly or incapacitated loved one. We know the costs involved, and appreciate the real financial burden this can sometimes place upon a family. This is particularly true for families who have income high enough to prevent qualification for some programs, and yet face budgeting for elder care and kids in college at the same time.

Here are 2 great resources which do not require any qualification. Anyone can participate who chooses to do so.

1. Angel Food Ministeries -- restaurant quality food sold at discount prices, including great bargains on things like steaks and seafood. Each month, a package of high-quality goods is offered. A sample month (all for $25):

1 package chicken nuggets
4 8-oz hamburger steaks
4 6-oz pork chops
1.5 lb. thick bacon
1 dozen eggs
2-lb bag of frozen French fries
5 bagels
2-lb bag of onions
4 Delicious Apples
5 Bananas
1 Gourmet Pie.

From their site:

"Angel Food Ministeries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States....

"Angel Food's groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $25 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $50. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

"Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one would purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

"Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can purchase, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries, like most all other retail grocery stores, also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system."

2. CareGivers' Marketplace -- cash back on dietary supplements; bathing and skin care; digestive health; incontinence care (adult diapers); home health care; mobility and independence; and nutrition.

From their site:

"The Caregivers Marketplace™ is the nation's first cash back program for anyone who gives, gets or needs care. You can receive cash back on eligible products that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare – no matter where you buy them. Our program is free and your information is always kept confidential....Your cash back check will arrive in the mail within 4-6 weeks. It’s that simple."

Blogs for the Probate Practitioner

Slowly but surely, we're compiling a link list (there, on the right side of the screen) of web sites that are helpful to those involved in Bexar County Probate Court issues. The sites range from eminent domain to elder law, and have information helpful to the lawyer and non-lawyer alike.

Blogs are not included in this link list. However, more and more blogs (or sometimes, "blawgs") are popping up here in Texas -- recently, the Texas State Bar began providing a blog directory on its site. The Bar's Blog Directory covers a variety of legal specialties: there are blogs for family law practioners, tax lawyers, and personal injury attorneys, among others.

The Bar's directory is new and growing -- but as of today, there were no probate-specific blogs listed. We did find a few ....

First, we found Texas Estate Planning Blog provided by Ford & Mathiason, a law firm with offices in both Houston and Dallas. This blog began in February 2007 and looks promising.

There was Gary M. Howell's Texas Estate Planning and Probate Law Blog which has some good information -- but the blog died in November 2005, when attorney Howell took a spot with Merrill Lynch to work with high net worth clients (according to his farewell post).

And, we don't understand why Prof. Gerry Beyer's Blog hasn't made it to the Bar Directory yet. It's a great resource, updated often, and a real find for probate practioners everywhere.

As for law blogs that are not probate-specific, there are several that you may find worth your time:

Jerry Buchmeyer has been blogging since 2003, posting on the same humorous topics as his beloved Texas Bar Journal column. It's not probate-specific, but what the heck. It's funny.

Houston attorney Tom Kirkendall has posted to Houston's Clear Thinkers for awhile now. It's got lots of legal thought, plus a variety of entertaining issues. Especially if you like baseball.

Practical Lawyering is a blog written by Chicago attorney who has left a big government job to open a solo practice specializing in estate planning. So far, he hasn't revealed his name. Wonder why....

At the end of April 2007, the San Antonio Express News began a blog, SA Hearsay, where reporters Elizabeth Allen, Guillermo Contreras, and Maro Robbins post regularly. The blog promises to provide "[l]egal tidbits from Bexar County's courthouses and beyond."

While this blog is not probate-specific, Ms. Allen has been posting regularly on the BK Johnson trial, which is currently being heard in our sister court, Probate Court One, with Polly Jackson Spencer as presiding judge. FYI, closing arguments begin Monday.

Other law blogs you might find interesting:

The Wall Street Journal's Law Blog
The Supreme Court of the United States Blog
Yale Law Journal Blog - The Pocket Part
Ernie the Attorney

10 Tips When Visiting the Courthouse

For some, the nearest that they get to the Bexar County Courthouse is driving past it after they've taken a wrong turn getting to Market Square or San Fernando Cathedral. There will be a time for most County residents, however, when they'll need to come to the Courthouse: marriage licenses; deed records; probate files; and jury duty are all reasons to visit.

Here's some helpful tips for Courthouse visitors:

1. Parking
Parking can be troublesome and expensive. The lots closest to the Courthouse (and the Justice Center next door) cost more than those farther away. They fill up quickly, too. Expect to pay as much as $12 for parking.

If you are willing to walk, try the lots near Durango and save yourself a couple of bucks. Park and Ride is a great option: you'll be dropped right by the Courthouse steps.

2. Timing Your Visit
If you don't have to be here in the morning, then plan your visit for the afternoon. Dockets are called in the morning: hearings are begun in the various courtrooms and documents are filed with the various clerks' offices. By the afternoon, a lot of this business has concluded. You'll face better parking and less lines if you visit in the afternoon.

You'll fare even better in the latter part of the week. Trials begin on Monday. By that Thursday or Friday, some of those matters will have resolved themselves.

Always sidestep entering via the south entrance of the Courthouse on the first Tuesday of the month because the steps are crowded with folk involved with the foreclosure auctions. It's packed. Try the basement entrance, or the northside doors facing Main Plaza.

3. Avoiding the Stairs
If you want to enter the Courthouse without taking the stairs, you can. Go to the southwest corner of the Courthouse grounds, and follow the ramps down into the basement parking area and Courthouse entrance. Ask a guard at the door for directions to your particular destination.

4. Mailing a Letter
Three elevators make up the main elevator bank, located in the central corridor of each floor except the fifth. Next to the bank is an ornate metal mailbox, built into the wall. It's very old. It still works.

5. Grabbing a Meal or Snack
Go to the basement. Take the tunnel, just south of the elevators, to the Justice Center. There will be an entrance on your right to a small cafeteria, where you can grab a snack or have a hot meal. They've got vending machines, too.

6. Grab a Smoke
There is a smoking area across from the cafeteria (see above).

7. Find A Notary Public
If you need the services of a notary public, then you can find one via the Information Center. The notaries are independent from Bexar County; however, one should be available at the Courthouse during normal business hours to help you.

8. Asking Questions
An Information Center is located on the first floor. Call for questions at (210) 335-2011.

9. Online Map with Directions
At GoogleMaps, you can find a map with driving directions to the Courthouse. There may be street closures due to construction -- like the Main Plaza Redevelopment Project -- so be prepared for detours and alternate routes.

10. Call First!
Most callers to Bexar County Information (335-2011) ask for information regarding a pending case. These people can avoid a trip to the courthouse by having the case number in hand, and calling (210) 335-2231 for civil cases and (210) 335-2238 for criminal matters. (For criminal cases, the SID number is helpful, too.)

Additionally, frequently requested documents can be requested online or by mail. These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce records. For more information (including fees) check out the City of San Antonio FAQ site which also provides information on how to gather documents from other locations (including the Metropolitan Health District and the Texas Department of Public Safety).

CareGiver Support: Caring for the Elderly

1. CAPS (Children of Aging Parents)

For full information, check out their national website. This organization hosts local support groups, providing information and support for children caring for elderly parents.

There are several meeting choices. For the location nearest you call 684-7080, ask for Jim Vaughn, email him at caps4sa@yahoo.com, or just attend a meeting. Current groups are meeting:

11:30 a.m.
first Thursdays of the month
Incarnate Word Retirement Center, 4707 Broadway
For more information, call facilitator Jill Trevino at 829-7661.

6:15 p.m.
first Thursdays of the month
Jewish Community Center/Family & Children's Services, 12500 Northwest Military Drive
For more infomation, call facilitator Jim Vaughn at 684-7080.

6:15 p.m.
second Wednesdays of the month
call for street location, Helotes.
For more information, call facilitator Carol Deel at 647-0336.



2. Alzheimer's or Dementia Caregivers Support
This is a local support group focusing upon the special needs of those caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or various forms of dementia. This group meets:

11:30 a.m.
first Wednesdays of the month
Homewood Residence, 1207 Jackson Keller, Bldg. 2.
For more information, call Janice Brake 375-8132 or email her at jbrake@arclp.com.


[Information correct as of June 18, 2007.]

June 2007: This Blog's Bloggers

After lying dormant for awhile now, it's time for a change.

This blog is returning to the web with regular weekly posting. The subject matter of the posts will continue to be information helpful to the probate community - including not only Bexar County probate practioners, but all those who have an interest in the matters coming before the probate courts.

However, posting responsiblities have changed. Assisting the Judge in this regular posting chore will be Court Staff, occasionally, and lawyer and professional writer/blogger Reba Kennedy (www.rebakennedy.com) who is providing her writing services gratis, as a community service.

Post contributions from the probate community are always welcome, of course. Please feel free to submit your contributions to the Judge at anytime.

Not Forgotten Coalition

MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Not Forgotten Coalition is to enhance the quality of seniors’ lives through education and advocacy.
VISION:
A more educated senior and caregiver population that’s prepared for all that comes their way—both the good and the trying
GOALS:
· To educate the seniors, caregivers, adults with disabilities, and the community about issues affecting seniors and adults with disabilities
· To advocate for the needs of seniors and adults with disabilities
· To provide for seniors’ and disabled adults’ needs by maintaining an emergency resource room for APS clients and through the Adopt-A-Caseworker program
WHAT IS THE NOT FORGOTTEN COALITION?
The Not Forgotten Coalition is a group of concerned people from agencies, businesses, and groups dedicated to senior citizens and adults with disabilities. This is a partnership with Adult Protective Services (APS).
WHO IS ABUSED, NEGLECTED, AND EXPLOITED?
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation occurs to elderly men and women of all income levels, all cultural and ethnic groups, to those in good health and those incapacitated in some way, in poor neighborhoods and in suburbia. More than 8,700 elderly and disabled in this area were reported to APS as victims of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation in 2005, resulting in more than 4,400 confirmed as victims. We know that all too many victims are never reported to APS.
WHO ABUSES, NEGLECTS, AND EXPLOITS THE ELDERLY?
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation is perpetrated on the elderly by their adult children, spouses, grandchildren, other relatives, siblings, service providers, acquaintances, and strangers. Self-neglect also occurs.
WHAT KIND OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OCCURS?
The elderly are victims of
· Neglect – Physical, medical, and self-neglect
· Abuse – Physical abuse, including beatings, bruises, cuts, burns, confinement; emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse
· Exploitation – Illegal or improper use of the elderly’s resources for personal benefit without informed consent

For information, call Patricia Scrivano at 210 337-3297. To report abuse, neglect, and exploitation, call 1-800-252-5400.

Elder Law

The Elder Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association
Invites you to a free forum:

AGING GRACEFULLY: Alternatives for Maintaining Independence

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2006 • 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Norris Conference Center • 4522 Fredericksburg Rd.
At Crossroads Mall • Next to Super Target

Free box lunch provided to first 100 persons who register by April 24, 2006

Topics Include: Understanding physical and mental changes • Discovering available community resources • Using legal alternatives to direct your medical and financial future
• Understanding the basics of Medicare/Medicaid.

*Attorneys and resource provider organizations will be present to answer questions.


For information or registration, call (210) 283 - 6672 • Seating is limited.

Elder Law

Meeting/CLE Notice: The Elder Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association will be holding a lunch time CLE program. The speaker is David P. Stanush, Attorney with Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison & Tate, who will speak on "Dangerous Clauses in Estate Planning Documents."
CLE Hours: CLE .75 hours (no ethics)
Audience: Attorneys, Judges, and interested non-attorneys.
Time: Noon, Friday, May 12, 2006
Place: Conference Room, 2nd floor of 111 Soledad, San Antonio, TX 78205 (opposite old Solo Serve and Mexican Manhattan; one block north of Bexar County Courthouse)
Food: Catered sandwiches, chips, and drinks
Charge: $10
PLEASE make reservations by calling in your name, telephone number, and number who will attend from your office to Cheryl McMullan's voice mail 212-4076 on or before noon on Tuesday May 9th Thank you

How This Works & How To Contribute

Periodically, short articles will be posted to this site - written by invited authors. Their byline, together with a short bio and photo (if they choose to provide one), will be included.

Topics will vary, and the articles may involve linking the reader to other information found on other sites. There's a lot of info out there.

If you would like to comment, suggest, or contribute, then please contact me at (210) 335-2546. However, I cannot address any communications dealing with specific cases, pending or past, as well as any questions requesting legal advice.

-- Judge Tom Rickhoff

The Professionals of Probate Court Two

The outstanding feature of this office is each and every individual who works as a part of this courtroom team. I hope to see their own contributions to this site at some point.

I simply have the best personnel of any court in the state, and I'm proud to claim it. Intuition, good fortune, somehow I stumbled upon a great group of people - I'm daily thankful they're here. And, from all the feedback I receive, everyone shares my appreciation.

In the photo are: (top row) Martin ("Marty") Collins, staff attorney; Herb Schaefer, administrative assistant; me; Eddie Maldonado, bailiff; (bottom row) Eleanor ("Elie") Castillo, assistant court auditor; Liz McDevitt, court auditor; Rebecca Gonzalez, court clerk; Sue Bean, court investigator; Veronica Bowles, court reporter.

To reach these folk, or to learn about our court procedures, please refer to the information provided at the Bexar County website.

- Judge Tom Rickhoff

This Blog's Purpose

This blog has been created and will be maintained as interactive support for those professionals dealing with the wide variety of issues facing our Bexar County Probate Court.

Invited contributors will include not only attorneys appearing in our court, but others who are critically involved in the sensitive issues we must address.

Health care professionals, agency workers, and representatives of various charitable organizations all have important information to share.

As a statutory probate court, the court over which I preside has original and exclusive jurisdiction (together with Probate Court No. One) over this county's probate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Eminent domain controversies are also heard here.

Some of the most emotional and life-altering decisions, therefore, are addressed in these first floor courtrooms. Because our work is so important, sensitive, and specialized, I would like us to share the educational material we feel is most significant. As an example, attorney Kelly Cross provided research about the syndrome associated with hoarders so I could understand the Adult Protective Services case we were hearing, or there may be research about the value of an oak tree in a condemnation case that would be helpful to the commissioners.

- Judge Tom Rickhoff