Probate judge plans case‑management upgrade; commissioners eye using computerization reserves for IT security
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Summary
Lorain County’s probate judge told commissioners the court is planning a new case‑management system (vendor discussions underway) that could cost in the ballpark of $1 million and suggested the court’s computerization funds—derived from filing fees and carrying a sizable reserve—could help pay; commissioners emphasized IT coordination to avoid cybersecurity risk and requested further details.
The Lorain County probate judge used the Nov. 19 budget work session to outline plans to replace an aging case‑management system and to describe how the court’s computerization funds are used.
The judge said the court’s filing-fee–derived reserves have grown over time—partly because the court has not carried the expense of a court reporter—and that those reserves fund Courtview and other services. The judge told commissioners the court is meeting with potential vendors (including Equivant/JWorks and others) to evaluate a replacement; a ballpark figure mentioned for a full replacement was about $1 million, though the judge said final costs will depend on vendor proposals.
The judge noted statutory requirements and confidentiality risks: many probate filings carry medical or financial data that must be handled carefully, and the state’s House Bill 96 requires online docketing that will expand the court’s technical obligations. The judge said the court will work closely with county IT to ensure any cloud or e‑filing solution meets cybersecurity standards and to avoid back‑door exposures.
Commissioners asked whether computerization or special project funds could be used to help finance the upgrade and whether parts of those funds could be redirected to immediate county cybersecurity needs. The judge indicated some computerization funds are available and suggested staff would coordinate with the prosecutor and county IT on allowable uses.
Commissioners asked departments to return with numbers and potential reallocations so the commission can weigh tradeoffs in the upcoming budget cycle.