KELLY IS QUALIFIED

Proven Leadership in the Franklin County Probate Court

For more than 15 years, Kelly Green has dedicated her career to serving families in Franklin County. She currently works as the Chief Magistrate in the Probate Court, where she focuses on making the court easier for people to navigate — improving technology, simplifying processes, and creating a workplace that better reflects the diverse community it serves. Under her leadership, the court has increased staff diversity, ensured equal pay, and expanded the free legal resources available to the public.

Key Achievements:

Implemented modern technology and case management systems to increase accessibility and transparency.
Helped update Local Rules and administrative procedures to improve consistency and efficiency.
Established the court’s management structure to enhance accountability.
Tripled staff diversity and implemented pay equity reforms for all levels of court
personnel.

As Chief Magistrate, Kelly Green supervises magistrates and staff, oversees judicial operations, and ensures that probate matters are handled with fairness, accuracy, and respect for the law.

Respected Statewide Expert in Probate Law

Kelly is widely recognized across Ohio as an expert in probate law and a trusted judicial educator.

Leadership & Service:

Probate Chair, Ohio Association of Magistrates (OAM) since 2018.
Treasurer, OAM (2019–2025).
Collaborates with the Ohio Supreme Court’s Judicial College to create continuing legal education seminars for probate magistrates and judges.
Served as primary instructor for probate law at the Ohio New Magistrates’ Training (2018–2024).
Created the statewide training manual used to teach new magistrates the fundamentals of probate law.
One of only two magistrates appointed to the Ohio Probate Judges’ Association Probate Law and Procedure Committee.
Played a key role in developing the Ohio Adoption Modernization Statute and assisted with the Guardianship Modernization Bill now before the legislature.

Kelly continues to assist the Judicial College in developing new curricula for judges and magistrates, including the ongoing revamp of the probate section of New Judges’ Training.

Commitment to Community Outreach and Access to Justice

Kelly believes the Probate Court should serve as a resource for families navigating important and often emotional transitions. She has prioritized community engagement, public education, and access to legal resources.

Community Initiatives:

Helped establish and maintain the Legal Resource Center for Small Estates, offering free guidance to residents.
Partnered with Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio to expand services for individuals under guardianship.
Organized free legal clinics with Equality Ohio and Trans Ohio to help residents with name changes and birth record corrections.
Speaks regularly at public events sponsored by the Franklin County Office on Aging and Columbus Public Health on estate planning and probate education.
Leads the court’s National Adoption Day celebrations in collaboration with Franklin County Children Services.
Partnered with the Columbus Metropolitan Library to assist the public with computer access to e-filing.

Education, Leadership, and Professional Involvement

Education

Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, New England Law, 2002
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with honors, Ohio University, 1998
Admitted to the Ohio Bar, 2002

Professional Memberships and Leadership

Ohio Association of Magistrates (Probate Chair, 2018–present; Treasurer, 2019–2025)
Ohio Probate Judges’ Association – Probate Law and Procedure Committee
Leadership Columbus, Signature Program Class of 2025
LEAD Ohio, May 2025 Graduate
Columbus Estate Planners Council
Columbus Bar Association
Franklin County Democratic Lawyers Club
Franklin County Democratic Party
Reynoldsburg Area Democrats

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