The clerk shall keep a true and fair record of each order, sentence, decree and license issued by the court, and of all other things proper to be recorded. He shall also give true and attested copies of instruments, documents and records of the court. He may execute and issue in the name of the judge of probate the following: certificates of the appointment and qualification of administrators, executors, guardians, committees and testamentary trustees; certifications pertaining to, and certified copies of wills, all probate court records, and statements or stipulations pertaining thereto; warrants of appraisements in decedents' estates including appointment of appraisers; and marriage licenses. He shall provide for the publication of the citation required by law prior to the appointment of an administrator, and for the issuance and filing in the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas or of the register of mesne conveyance and the office of the county auditor the index forms required by law pertaining to the devise or descent of real property. He shall prepare and execute all forms necessary to obtain payment of insurance benefits in connection with intestate estate being administered by the probate court as provided by law. He may examine, vouch, and approve uncontested accountings, and may execute and submit requisitions and claim warrants for supplies and material needed for the operation of the court. He may take acknowledgments and administer oaths, and, subject to the control of the judge, may issue notices and make all necessary orders for the hearing of any matter to be heard in the court. If a matter is not contested, he may hear and determine it and make all orders, judgments and decrees in connection therewith which the judge could make, subject to the same being set aside or modified by the judge at any time within thirty days thereafter; and if not so set aside or modified such orders, judgments and decrees made by the clerk shall have the same effect as if made by the judge. No person shall practice as an attorney or counselor at law in the court of which he is clerk.

Nothing in this section may be construed to preclude use of a computer system or related equipment by a clerk of court in performance of the duties prescribed in this section.

HISTORY: 1976 Act No. 690 Art. V Section 10; 1994 Act No. 412, Section 2, eff May 25, 1994.