Lucas County Probate Court

04/22/2026

🌎 **Happy Earth Day from Lucas County Probate Court!**

Today, we celebrate the beauty of our natural world, and here in Lucas County, we're fortunate to have stunning green spaces right in our own backyard.

Did you know that Judge Puffenberger, as Lucas County Probate Court Judge, appoints the five members of the Metroparks Toledo Board of Park Commissioners? It's one of the meaningful ways the Probate Court plays a quiet but important role in protecting our community's natural heritage. Judge Puffenberger believes deeply in selecting board members who reflect the community's commitment to the land we share.

A heartfelt thank you to Board Commissioners Scott Savage, Fritz Byers, Lera Doneghy, Molly Luetke, and Kevin Dalton for their dedicated stewardship of thousands of acres of trails, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat across Lucas County, spaces that connect all of us to the natural world. 🌿

On this Earth Day, we're grateful for the conservationists and community leaders who help keep our corner of the planet thriving.

(Photo of Howard Marsh by Christy Frank)

04/16/2026

Let’s talk about wills. Most people know they should have one, but what does it actually take to make sure your wishes are carried out properly? Magistrate Trevor Fernandes explains and answers some of the most common questions in this video from Judge Puffenberger’s educational series.

Magistrate Trevor Fernandes of Lucas County Probate Court shares information about wills.

04/08/2026

Congratulations to the Toledo Mud Hens on your 2026 Opening Day win! Judge Puffenberger and all of us at the court are proud fans and cheering you on for a great season ahead.

04/01/2026

Spring and summer are prime wedding seasons—which means our Marriage License Department is busier than ever! 💍✨

Planning to tie the knot or need a copy of your marriage record? Check out our new video for everything you need to know about applying for a marriage license or requesting certified copies. This video is part of Judge Puffenberger’s new educational series at the Lucas County Probate Court.

Marriage Department Supervisor, Brenna Casper, explains how to navigate marriage licenses and copy requests at the Lucas County Probate Court

03/30/2026

Metroparks Monday! 🌿

Spring is in the air! Before we know it, this treeline at Wiregrass will be full of green. This particular spot is a great place to watch the changes and reflect. 😉

What are you most looking forward to as the season changes?

02/16/2026

We’re celebrating Darlene as she begins her well‑earned retirement! As the longtime supervisor of our Mental Health Department, she has made an incredible impact through her kindness, dedication, and compassion. Darlene’s leadership has been a true asset to the court and to the many people she’s supported over the years. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all of us.

02/15/2026

We want to say a big thank you to the Ottawa Hills Choraliers who gave their annual Singing Valentine Concert at the court on Friday. It’s always a special treat when they visit each year. Judge Puffenberger and his wife, Sarah, are pictured below with these amazing students during their visit.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! ❤️

02/09/2026

Metroparks Monday!

Golden light filtering through the trees. Wildwood Metropark never disappoints with its simple moments of beauty and calm.

And with a warm-up on the way this week, it’s the perfect time to get outside and soak up a little extra sunshine. 🌲🌞

02/06/2026

Did you ever wonder if you could just speak with Judge Puffenberger about a case? Here, he explains the guidelines about when you can speak to the Judge and how it all works.

Judge Puffenberger explains rules regarding speaking with the judge.

02/02/2026

Metroparks Monday!

Catching a winter sunset at Howard Marsh often means spotting a Northern Harrier in action. Also called marsh hawks, these graceful raptors glide low over the wetlands, scanning for small prey. Places like this not only sustain vital ecosystems, they also give us space to pause and take in the quiet beauty of wildlife, even in the heart of winter.

📸: Christy Frank