ure out who those people were and what percentage they got, wasn’t a very good system. It wasn’t clear and often you had to go back and sort of correct things by a subsequent decree anyhow. The system that we have now accomplishes the goals of that system. The Uniform Probate Code allows for adjustment of contested cases and, if it’s not contested, for the filing of a will and sort of going from there. I am not sure if that is a step in the right direc- tion. Many of the states adopted the UPC, and many states work with it. Some lawyers love it, but I am not sure it accomplishes the goals of the probate system the way that we in Vermont would like it. Recent- ly, the legislature, I think through an over- sight, legislated for a publication of notice to heirs only once in the newspaper instead of twice. That same change now applies to the publication of notice to creditors. Well, if you are owed $20,000 by someone who dies, and there is only one publication of that event in the paper, and you miss it, you may have your claim barred. The business community needs assurance that the sys- tem of dealing with dead debtors is accu- rate and well done. Hopefully, the legisla- ture will correct that.
BP: Is there anything else you want to add to what we’ve talked about? GB: Well, let me just say two things in closing. One is to express my admiration for the other members of the probate bench. I think over time, the nature of the people who have sought the job and their dedica- tion to the job despite some morale issues not of their making … I think they are dedi- cated. I think they are concerned about do- ing a good job, and I think they endeav- or to do a good job. We have some great probate judges working in the system, and they need to be valued and supported. The second thing is my thought about the Ver- mont legal community. Of course, I dealt with lawyers all across the state, but most- ly in central Vermont, and I have served on different committees at the Vermont Bar Association as well. I can’t imagine working with a better group of professionals. I real- ly feel that the members of this bar are al- ways trying to improve the law, serve their clients, and do the best they can within the profession. Recently a lawyer friend of mine, in representing his client, had a men- tally ill opponent burst into his office and assault him. This lawyer had been doing a good job, and we all, as lawyers, run the risk that we will have a bad day, or some-
body will be mad at us. But the level of pro- fessionalism in the work that lawyers do in this state … I just admire it so much. It has been my joy to work with the lawyers of this state.
BP: So now what’s next? You’ve been re-
tired now for four days. GB: I have some things that I intend to
do, nothing startling. I want to be a sup- port to my wife, who continues to work. She supported me and I want to support her. I have a variety of things that I intend to do. I am a woodworker, and I intend to do some furniture building and that kind of thing. I keep my eyes open. I know Judge Cashman and he is busier than he ever was, teaching, and doing one thing and anoth- er. Maybe I will go in that direction at some point.
BP: That’s great! I appreciate your taking the time to do this. I think people will enjoy hearing your thoughts, and I know a lot of us in Washington County are going to miss you on the bench. But we know where to find you. GB: Thanks Bob!
34
THE VERMONT BAR JOURNAL • FALL 2012
www.vtbar.org
Interview with Judge George Belcher
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