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Probate judge asks court to fund second court auditor to clear backlog
Summary
Collin County Probate Judge asked Commissioners Court to approve a second probate court auditor, citing a growing caseload, substantial account reviews and a backlog that is delaying case closures.
Probate Judge requested funding for a second probate court auditor to address growing filings and a backlog of financial reviews in Collin County Probate Court.
Judge Duff told the commissioners that a single court auditor, described in the presentation as Dee Amber Harp, is currently responsible for reviewing inventories, accountings and other statutory filings for probate, guardianship and mental-health matters. Duff said filings have risen steadily over the last decade and that in 2024 the probate court processed roughly 5,800 cases across probate, guardianship and mental-health dockets.
Judge Duff said one auditor has reviewed accountings totaling about $215 million (January–August figures cited in the presentation) and that the workflow now produces a backlog that delays case closings and post‑filing reviews. She said HR reviewed the request and recommended the new position be a second full court auditor rather than a lower-ranked assistant auditor, because the additional hire would perform equivalent auditing duties.
Why it matters: Probate and guardianship cases involve court‑supervised oversight of assets and, in guardianship and many probate contexts, protections for people who cannot manage their own finances. Duff said the court’s current staffing level compares unfavorably with similar counties and that adding a second auditor would reduce time-to-closure and better protect wards and beneficiaries.
Court discussion: Commissioners asked about workload distribution, the use of associate judges to assist with hearing dockets and whether a future second probate court (additional judge) would change staffing needs. Duff and other judges said associate judges and contributory funds have helped but that a second auditor is needed now to keep current filings moving.
Ending: The judge limited today’s ask to the second auditor post; she said a second probate court could be considered later when workload and facility plans support that step.
