Wood Seeks Re-Election To Probate Court Judge Seat

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WOODSTOCK, GA -- Keith Wood announced on Friday that he will run for another term as Probate Judge for Cherokee County.

Judge Wood was first elected to the position in 2008 after serving as chief clerk and hearing officer for his predecessor, Judge Kip McVay.

“I consider myself fortunate to have been able to serve the people of Cherokee County, and I look forward to continuing the excellent service that my staff and I have been able to provide,” Wood said.

The Probate Court is responsible for the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians and conservators for minors and adults, and the ordering of evaluations for the mentally ill or those with substance abuse issues. It also issues marriage licenses and weapon carry licenses, and performs a number of less familiar duties, such as issuing fireworks permits. Based on Cherokee County's population, the probate judge is required to have the same qualifications as a Superior Court judge.

Originally from Lithonia, Judge Wood has lived in Cherokee County for more than 22 years. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and received his law degree from Georgia State University in 1994.

He began practicing law in Canton that same year and, prior to joining the Probate Court in 2004, worked as an associate with the firm of Steven M. Campbell & Associates, P.C., in Woodstock.

Judge Wood is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Blue Ridge Bar Association, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, South Cherokee Optimist Club and Woodstock Presbyterian Church.

As a member of the Council of Probate Judges, Judge Wood serves as chair of the Technology Committee and is the Council’s representative on the Judicial Council Standing Committee on Technology chaired by Supreme Court Justice Harold D. Melton.

He also represents the 3rd District Probate Judges as a member of the Probate Judges’ Training Council, and served as chair of that council from 2013 to 2015.

Judge Wood has created and led training programs for other probate judges and probate court clerks, and assisted in the development of the Probate Judges’ Certification Program offered through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

At the local level, Judge Wood continues to educate the public through presentations on probate court topics, including the importance of estate planning, guardianship law, and mental health challenges in the courts.

He has also served as a guest instructor on “Legal Aspects of Mental Health Law” as part of Crisis Intervention Team training, a POST-certified program offered through the Cherokee Sheriff's Office to law enforcement personnel.

Judge Wood recently assisted the other judges in Cherokee County to establish the county’s Mental Health Court, a program that seeks to address criminal recidivism among a population affected by mental illness.

Judge Wood was recognized in 2012 by CASA for Children with the Light of Hope Award and has been recognized by the Council of Probate Court Judges with the President’s Award in 2011 and Probate Judge of the Year in 2015.

Judge Wood resides in Woodstock with his wife of 24 years, Stephanie, and two daughters.

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Photo: Judge Keith Wood, left, received the 2015 Outstanding Probate Judge of the Year award by the Council of Probate Court Judges. He's shown here with Judge Chase Daughtrey, President of the Council. Credit: Council of Probate Court Judges