No probate judge shall practice law, be associated with another as partner in the practice of law in a court or tribunal of this state, prepare a complaint or answer, make out an account required for the settlement of an estate committed to the care or management of another, or appear as attorney before a court or judicial tribunal. Whoever violates this section shall forfeit the office of probate judge.

The deputy clerk of a probate court may engage in the practice of law if the deputy's practice is not related in any way to probate law or practice. The deputy may engage in the practice of law only with the continued consent and approval of all of the judges of the probate court.

A magistrate appointed solely to conduct hearings under Chapters 5122. and 5123. of the Revised Code may engage in the practice of law, including probate law, except that the magistrate shall not practice law under those chapters other than as a magistrate and shall not knowingly accept any business arising out of or otherwise connected with a proceeding in which the magistrate served as a magistrate under those chapters.

The prosecuting attorney shall file the prosecuting attorney's information against a judge or deputy clerk who practices law in violation of this section in the court of common pleas, and proceed as upon indictment.

This section does not prevent a probate judge or deputy clerk from finishing business commenced by the judge or deputy clerk prior to the judge's or clerk's election or appointment, provided it is not connected with the official duties of the judge or clerk.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.52, SB 124, §1, eff. 1/13/2012.

Effective Date: 03-16-1978 .