Kathleen Forsyth takes top job in probate division

Transitioning into a judicial position is usually quite an adjustment in routine, but for Kathleen Forsyth, little more will change than answering to a new title.

Judge Forsyth was recently appointed probate judge for the 16th Circuit Court by Gov. Bob Holden to replace Judge John Borron Jr. who retired yesterday. Prior to her appointment, Judge Forsyth held the position of probate commissioner.

Judge Forsyth said she had never really considered being a commissioner before, let alone a judge. It just wasn't an option to her. Prior to going to college, she said women either chose to be nurses or teachers. She began her legal career as a paralegal. She worked for Spencer Fane Britt & Browne as a probate paralegal before attending law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

After graduating from law school in 1980, Judge Forsyth worked as a probate and trust attorney for 15 years, first at Linde Thomson Fairchild Langworthy Kohn & Van Dyke, then UMB Bank N.A., and was of counsel at Shughart Thomson & Kilroy before her appointment as probate commissioner.

"I had intended to practice forever," Judge Forsyth said. "The opportunity to be probate commissioner just presented itself. It wasn't until my predecessor left that it even crossed my mind."

She has enjoyed her decision, and says she does not miss practice. After nine years as commissioner, she still finds hearing cases interesting.

"I enjoy the interaction with the attorneys," Judge Forsyth said. "I call it the probate bar. It is a really good group of attorneys."

Though she says the basics of her job will remain the same, she still expects to face some immediate challenges, primarily in the area of administration. After 30 years of service to the court, Judge Forsyth's division clerk, Beverly Kennedy, will retire soon.

"Replacing her will be very difficult," Judge Forsyth said.

Judge Forsyth said she would also face the challenge of dealing with court-wide budget cuts, primarily, handling growing dockets with fewer people.

"It's all a matter of docket management, though," Judge Forsyth said. Also in response to budget cuts and expanding dockets, Judge Forsyth said she would also begin hearing a criminal docket in January 2004, in addition to her regular probate docket.

Judge Forsyth is active in the community, and says she is especially supportive of mentoring programs.

"I didn't really have a mentor," Judge Forsyth said. "Maybe that's why I've been so involved in mentoring - I could have used one."

Judge Forsyth also volunteers with Pets For Life, a group of legal professionals from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association who visit a local nursing home with their pets each month to help brighten the residents' lives. Judge Forsyth and Fritz, her terrier and poodle mix, enjoy their time with the elderly.

"Pets For Life appealed to me," Judge Forsyth said. "It's an adult guardianship thing. Often, when an elderly person is placed in a nursing home, their pets are taken away from them. We're kind of a therapy team."

Judge Forsyth said she has one main goal for her service to the court has probate judge.

"Everyone who appears in this courtroom will have a fair hearing," she said. "I hope they all go away feeling they've been heard."

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