Q: Do you find that your personal experiences have helped you to be a better judge?
A: A judge has wide discretion in probate cases to do what is in the best interest of the parties. In fact, the charge and responsibility includes the notion you have to make decisions based on the law, and the law does say you take into consideration, strongly, what is in the best interest of the parties whose interests are at stake. So, I think empathy is big, and I think family connections help with that and all of your experiences come to bear when it comes to doing this job, to do it correctly or as best as you possibly can.