Lucas County Probate Court

10/12/2026

The court will be closed on Tuesday, October 13 due to a water main break affecting the building.

09/21/2026

🌳 Metroparks Monday: Happy 10th Birthday, Middlegrounds!

This month, Middlegrounds Metropark is celebrating 10 years as downtown Toledo's urban oasis! This site used to be 28 acres of former industrial hardscape along the Maumee River. Thanks for your hard work, Metroparks Toledo, in transforming this into a park with a walking path, kayak cove, dog park, and place to watch the sunrise, as seen in the photo.

Middlegrounds was also a big milestone for the whole county: it was a major step toward Metroparks Toledo's goal of putting a park within 5 miles of every Lucas County resident.

Are you wondering why the Probate Court does Metroparks Monday posts? The Metroparks' volunteer Board of Park Commissioners, the folks who help steward growth like this, is appointed by our own Probate Court Judge Puffenberger. It's a small but meaningful way our court supports the green spaces we all enjoy.

Have you visited Middlegrounds lately? Metroparks Toledo has more anniversary events coming, including a History Tour on September 25. 🦆

📸: Christy Frank

09/07/2026

Congratulations to Judge Puffenberger, who served as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Toledo Labor Day Parade! The United Labor Committee honored him for his longstanding support of Northwest Ohio's labor unions. It was wonderful to see him celebrating the day alongside family and friends. Happy Labor Day to all the hardworking members of our community!

08/07/2026

Navigating the probate process after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. In this helpful video, Magistrate Ned Adya explains two types of Release from Administration and shares practical information about funeral reimbursement, eligibility, and what families may need to know.

Watch the video to learn more about these important probate options and whether they may apply to your situation.

Please note: This video provides general information and is not legal advice.

Magistrate Ned Adya discusses two types of release from administrat...

07/31/2026

Congratulations, Luellen, on your retirement today after 30 years of dedicated service to the court. She has held many roles over the years, and her steady presence, kindness, humor, and commitment will be deeply missed.

Wishing you all the best in this wonderful new chapter!

07/13/2026

Metroparks Monday!

Summer is peak prairie and savannah season when many Metroparks Toledo locations are bursting with color. This bright blue butterfly was spotted at Secor Metropark among native flowers and grasses. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the wildlife that makes Lucas County unique.

📸: Christy Frank

07/09/2026

Need copies of probate court records? Our records are public, and there’s a simple way to request what you need.

We’ve created a short video as part of Judge Puffenberger's Public Education Program that explains, step by step, how to:
– Identify the correct record you are seeking
– Request standard or certified copies
– Submit your request and pay any required fees

If you’re not sure where to start, this walkthrough is for you.

Watch the video at the link below.

If you still have questions after watching, contact our Records Department via email ([email protected]) and we’ll be glad to help.

Lukasz Wilson explains how to request copies of court records.

07/06/2026

🦆 Metroparks Monday!

This Blue-winged teal is one of the special visitors you can spot at Howard Marsh Metropark in the summer, gliding through the calm, shallow waters and weaving between the reeds. They’re among the first ducks to kick off fall migration, heading south in late August or early September. For now, when you visit the marsh, keep an eye on the water for one of these gorgeous ducks. You can see the blue color even more in flight!

Howard Marsh came to life during Judge Puffenberger’s tenure here as Lucas County Probate Court Judge, a time during which he appoints the members of the Metroparks Toledo Board of Park Commissioners. Through their ongoing stewardship, the Board has helped make wetlands like Howard Marsh a thriving home for wildlife and a peaceful place for all of us to explore.

📸: Christy Frank

06/15/2026

Metroparks Monday!

Watershed Weekend brought our community together along the Glass City Riverwalk to celebrate the halfway point of this transformational riverfront project on the Maumee River. Did you make it out this weekend? If so, we’d love to hear your favorite part. Was it the live music, art, walks along the river, something else, or simply enjoying the views?

04/22/2026

🌎 **Happy Earth Day from Lucas County Probate Court!**

Today, we celebrate the beauty of our natural world, and here in Lucas County, we're fortunate to have stunning green spaces right in our own backyard.

Did you know that Judge Puffenberger, as Lucas County Probate Court Judge, appoints the five members of the Metroparks Toledo Board of Park Commissioners? It's one of the meaningful ways the Probate Court plays a quiet but important role in protecting our community's natural heritage. Judge Puffenberger believes deeply in selecting board members who reflect the community's commitment to the land we share.

A heartfelt thank you to Board Commissioners Scott Savage, Fritz Byers, Lera Doneghy, Molly Luetke, and Kevin Dalton for their dedicated stewardship of thousands of acres of trails, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat across Lucas County, spaces that connect all of us to the natural world. 🌿

On this Earth Day, we're grateful for the conservationists and community leaders who help keep our corner of the planet thriving.

(Photo of Howard Marsh by Christy Frank)