About Us

Since 1968

Dedicated to improving law and probate courts

The National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ) was organized in 1968 to improve the administration of justice in courts with probate jurisdiction.  The College was established in response to public concern about the time and costs involved in estate administration.  It is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to improving probate law and the probate courts. 

Probate courts are responsible for equitably handling many issues in our society.  Although they deal primarily with the estates of deceased persons, probate courts also have jurisdiction and responsibilities for protecting the rights of children and adults with diminished capacity, special needs, disabilities, and mental health and chemical dependency issues.

The major goals of NCPJ are:

  1. to foster a court system that promotes efficient, fair, and just judicial administration in the probate courts;
  2. to encourage the preparation and distribution of materials that will aid in the administration of probate courts, such as court practice manuals;
  3. to help probate courts take advantage of technological progress in court administration, such as using software for document management, court bookkeeping, and fiduciary accountings;
  4. to provide opportunities for continuing judicial education for probate judges and related personnel;
  5. to publish and distribute educational brochures and periodicals;
  6. to cooperate with other legal judicial organizations in efforts to improve judicial administration and uniformity;
  7. to serve as a research and learning resource for judges and scholars studying probate;
  8. to assist in drafting probate legislation and provide expert opinions regarding proposed legislation; and,
  9. to encourage, where applicable, the preparation and adoption of standardized, uniform practice procedures, both within and between states.

To accomplish these goals, NCPJ presents two educational conferences each year during the spring and fall.  In addition, NCPJ hosts judicial roundtables via Zoom, publishes a journal and a newsletter biannually with articles from experts in our members’ areas of jurisdiction, and maintains a website for access to instruction and materials for NCPJ members.  The annual spring and fall educational conferences allow NCPJ members to exchange ideas and learn new approaches.  The faculty comprises members from NCPJ College, law professors, judges, government experts, and other individuals with expertise in probate topics. CLE Certificates are awarded to participants at each conference. 

NCPJ partners and works with such organizations as The National Center for State Courts (NCSC), The American Bar Association (ABA), The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), The National Guardianship Association (NGA), The National Association of Court Management (NACM), The Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), The National Association of State Judicial Educators (NASJE), The American Judges Association (AJA), and AARP.   These partnerships promote the exchange of ideas as the NCPJ encourages probate courts to develop and adopt model rules and standards.  We have partnered with NGA and NCSC to establish standards and best practices in Guardianship cases, ensuring that the least restrictive orders are in place.  We collaborate with ACTEC to share training videos and other resources.  The NCPJ received a grant from the State Justice Institute to produce the National Probate Court Standards.

The growth of the NCPJ is the result of the voluntary efforts of many dedicated judges from around the country.  Many judges provide the leadership and service necessary to ensure the NCPJ continues as a more professional and vital organization.  Membership in the NCPJ currently stands at approximately 395 probate judges and probate court personnel representing many of our states. The Executive Committee consists of 10 members who meet monthly over Zoom and in person at the spring and fall conferences.  The Executive Committee is responsible for all policies, programs, and projects for the NCPJ. 

The NCSC was designated the Secretariat in June 1980 and provides staff support for planning the spring and fall conferences and for NCPJ’s administration and financial management.  Membership in the NCPJ is open to any judge, former judge, retired judge, judge-elect, surrogate, registrar, chief clerk, duly appointed referee, magistrate, commissioner, chief administrative officer or other designated judicial officer exercising probate jurisdiction,  any attorney, law professor, financial advisor, conference exhibitor and/or sponsor, law firm, corporation, trust, bank or trust company officer, and court personnel, staff and others having an interest in probate matters. Membership dues are payable annually and are tax-deductible. NCPJ is a nonprofit corporation and is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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