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Why

Accomplishments in Office

During her time in office, Judge Merri Rudd has:

• procured software, hardware, and staff to automate the Court's docket and receipts systems;
• expanded the Court's web site: Probate Court;
• written the Probate Judges’ Training Manual, used to train probate judges statewide;
• created a monthly Gov TV, Cable Channel 16 show called "The Judge Is In" to help New Mexicans learn about wills and probate issues;
• drafted five brochures to help people without attorneys use the Probate Court;
• written a bi-weekly column about probate issues in the Albuquerque Journal;
• served as a resource to judges, attorneys, and the public regarding probate law; and
• spoken to many community groups about probate issues.

Judge Rudd's community outreach efforts have resulted in a higher number of cases filed each year at the Court. In 2005 the number of cases filed in the Probate Court increased over 70% compared to the number of cases filed in 2000.

The Albuquerque Bar's Judicial Survey

The Albuquerque Bar asked attorneys to rate judges in Albuquerque.

Comments from the attorneys:

• A real asset. Extremely knowledgeable.
• I don't usually do probate--she was very kind and helpful.
• Judge Rudd strives to serve her "customers" - the citizens - in a way that is effective and even gracious and she succeeds.
• Most knowledgeable of states' probate judges.
• Most qualified judge we have.
• Reasonable and knowledgeable.

What Others Have Said

Letter to Editor of Albuquerque Journal, published January 10, 2006 (reprinted with permission of author)

Trio Makes Probate Easier

OF ALL THE county offices, there is one which clearly deserves special recognition— the Bernalillo County Probate Judge's Office. Judge Merri Rudd and her two assistants, Lori Frank and Tony Garcia, consistently bend over backward to be helpful to those with probate problems. In addition, they have produced an especially useful tool for individuals wishing to probate an estate themselves. It not only provides all of the forms that need to be filed, but includes explanations of each line on the forms.

JIM WILLGING, Albuquerque

From the Albuquerque Tribune (May 19, 1998)

[W]e continue to find her well-qualified for the position... By virtue of her experience and her persistence, she continues to make an excellent candidate for the office.

From Prime Time (May 1998)

Prime Time will make its first endorsement ever.

Merri Rudd is an expert in elder-law. She's written about it in Prime Time for about 6 years. Over the years, we have learned, too, that she cares what happens to Prime Timers, is honest and responsible. [Others] simply do not have her credentials for this job.

From the Albuquerque Journal (May 27, 1998)

Albuquerque lawyer Merri Rudd, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Bernalillo County probate judge, wrote the book — literally — on wills and probate in New Mexico. The Journal recommends her nomination.

revised 10/26/05

For more information, write: info@KeepJudgeRudd.com

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