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Governor Whitmer Appoints Jennifer L. Whitten to Grand Traverse Co. Probate Court

On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Jennifer L. Whitten to the Grand Traverse County Probate Court.

Whitten is a partner with Alward, Fisher, Rice, Rowe & Graf, PLC, where she specializes in family and probate court matters, as well as estate planning.

Previously, Whitten served as a contract attorney for the Grand Traverse County Probate Court, representing: juveniles in juvenile delinquency matters, parents in abuse and neglect cases, and others in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. She has also served as an assistant prosecutor for Ingham County.

Whitten earned her Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Alma College. She currently lives in Traverse City with her husband and two children.

“I am humbled and honored to have been appointed Probate Court Judge for Grand Traverse County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community,” said Whitten. “In my practice I have worked hard to serve my clients with compassion, integrity, and respect, and as Judge, I will continue to practice those ideals.”

“Jennifer is a bright, rising star in the Michigan legal community, and has provided trusted counsel to Alward Fisher clients for many years,” says Edward G. Price, Managing Partner. “We will miss her greatly, but our ‘loss’ is a tremendous gain for the people of Grand Traverse County and the State of Michigan. Jennifer will serve our community well.”

“I think everyone at Alward Fisher will miss Jennifer’s level-headed approach,” says partner Joseph C. Fisher. “Jennifer and I have worked together since her time as a prosecutor downstate, and her ability to manage challenging and complicated cases has been a tremendous benefit to the entire firm. The Bench has gained a top-notch judge.”

Officials say the appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at noon on Jan. 1, 2023 after Judge Melanie D. Stanton stepped down Dec. 31, 2021.

They say if Whitten wants to serve for the remainder of Judge Stanton’s term, which expires Jan. 1, 2025, she would have to run for re-election in November.

Along with Whitten, Governor Whitmer also announced the appointments of David M. Cohen and Kenneth S. Hoopes Thursday.

Cohen was appointed to the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County, and Hoopes was appointed to the 14th Circuit Court of Muskegon County.

“These three new appointees will bring extensive legal experience to the bench in Southeast, Western, and Northern Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “I appreciate David, Kenneth, and Jennifer for stepping up to serve their fellow Michiganders, and I am confident that they will faithfully uphold state law.”

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